**Word of the Day: Callous**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 21, 2025, 05:21 pm*
—
**What’s the story?**
The adjective *callous* describes someone who shows little or no concern for the feelings of others. It is used to refer to a person who is emotionally hardened, unkind, or indifferent to suffering. A *callous* attitude makes someone appear cold and uncaring.
—
**Origin of the word**
The word *callous* originates from the Latin word *callum*, meaning “thick skin.” When it first appeared in English during the 1500s, it described skin that had become hardened from frequent use. Over time, its meaning expanded to describe people who are hardened in spirit — unfeeling or lacking compassion.
—
**Synonyms for ‘callous’**
Words often used interchangeably with *callous* include:
– Cold
– Harsh
– Unkind
– Uncaring
– Ruthless
– Indifferent
– Unsympathetic
Each of these suggests a person who shows little concern for others or ignores their feelings.
—
**Sentence usage**
Here are some examples of how to use *callous* in context:
– “His *callous* remarks hurt her deeply.”
– “The manager’s *callous* attitude upset the employees.”
– “Ignoring the suffering of others is a *callous* act.”
—
**Why use the word?**
Using *callous* effectively describes behavior that is cold, unfeeling, or lacking empathy. It adds sharpness when depicting characters or situations where compassion is missing. Whether in storytelling, reports, or everyday conversations, *callous* conveys emotional hardness clearly and powerfully.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/word-of-the-day-callous/story
