callous
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈkæləs//
KK: /ˈkæləs/
adjective
Definition
Not caring about the feelings or suffering of others; emotionally insensitive.
Example
His callous remarks about the tragedy upset many people.
Conversation
Did you hear what happened at the meeting today?
Yeah, I did! It was pretty shocking.
I can't believe they were so callous about everyone's feelings.
I know, right? It's like they don't care at all.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
insensitive
heartless
unfeeling
Antonyms
compassionate
sensitive
empathetic
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone or something emotionally insensitive or unfeeling.
Example
The harsh criticism served to callous her feelings towards others.
Tense Forms
Past: calloused
Past Participle: calloused
Conversation
I think some people can be really callous in difficult situations.
Yeah, it’s surprising how they can just ignore others' feelings.
It's like they’ve callous themselves to empathy over time.
Root Explanation
Callous comes from the Latin word 'callosus' (meaning hard or thick-skinned), which is derived from 'callus' (meaning hard skin). The word describes someone who is emotionally insensitive or unfeeling, akin to having a hard or thick skin against feelings.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'thick-skinned' or emotionally 'hard' — that's why callous means unfeeling or insensitive.
Visually Confused Words
calculous
gallous
calvous
cancellous
thallous
scalopus
mallotus
hallopus