Meaning & Definition of word "Callous"

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    Callous

    /ˈkæl.əs/

    adjective:

    • 1. Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
      • Example: His callous remarks about the accident shocked everyone present.
    • 2. Emotionally insensitive; lacking feelings.
      • Example: She was criticized for her callous attitude toward the victims of the disaster.
    • 3. Having calluses; toughened or hardened.
      • Example: The callous skin on his hands demonstrated years of hard labor.

    Etymology

    Late Latin callosus, meaning 'hard-skinned'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    callous indifference:

    A complete lack of concern for the feelings of others.

    callous behavior:

    Actions that are cruel or unfeeling.

    Related Words

    callousness:

    The quality of being emotionally insensitive.

    hardened:

    Made unfeeling or insensitive.

    Slang Meanings of callous

    Meaning: Cold-hearted

    Example Sentence: That dude is so cold-hearted for not caring about the dog's plight.

    Meaning: Stone-cold

    Example Sentence: She's stone-cold when it comes to people's feelings.