Callous Meaning
/ˈkæləs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjEmotionally hardened; unfeeling and indifferent to the suffering/feelings of others.
adjHaving calluses, or relating to calluses.
Sentence Examples
How can you be so callous?
I think Tom is callous.
Callous, unemotional children can sometimes become adult sociopaths.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ remark about her misfortune showed no empathy or concern.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His ____ remarks about her failure were very hurtful and unkind today.
Word Origin & History
From Latin callōsus (“hard-skinned”), from callum (“hardened skin”) + -ōsus.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Re-watching some of the audition rounds of these shows now, you're struck by how callous the judges' comments often were, and how they presented a cruel spectacle in which the audience were set up to laugh at the "deluded" members of the public who believed they could sing."
— 2021 September 15, Laura Martin, “How talent shows became TV's most bizarre programmes”, in BBC:
"Hanson was beginning to feel annoyance at the suddenly cocksure and unsympathetic girl, but he stood fully erect and flexed his muscles. There wasn't even a trace of bedsoreness, though he had been flat on his back long enough to grow callouses."
— 1963, Lester del Rey, The Sky Is Falling:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ remark about her misfortune showed no empathy or concern.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His ____ remarks about her failure were very hurtful and unkind today.