Definition

The quality of being emotionally unfeeling or lacking compassion towards others.

Example

His coldheartedness made it difficult for him to connect with his friends.

Conversation

Did you see how he treated her at the party last night?

Yeah, it was surprising to see such coldheartedness from him.

I never thought he could be so mean, honestly.

Right? It really makes you question people's true nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coldheartedness → It is formed from "cold" (from Old English "cald", meaning lacking warmth) and "heartedness" (from "heart" which comes from Old English "heorte", meaning the organ of emotion or feeling, combined with the suffix "-ness" meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the state of having a heart that is devoid of warmth or compassion.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'lacking warmth' ('cold') in their 'emotions' ('heartedness') — that's why coldheartedness means being emotionally unfeeling.

Visually Confused Words