词性：n.
音标： [ˈæpəθi]
释义：无兴趣，不关心，无激情 Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Use the noun apathy when someone isn’t interested in the important things that are happening. You might feel apathy for the political process after watching candidates bicker tediously with one another.
Although apathy is a lazy-sounding word indicating a lack of interest, action, or emotion, it has traveled through many languages to arrive in English. From the Greek apatheia, “freedom from suffering” or “impassibility,” apathy has existed in English since the 17th century. Not just one person, but a whole segment of the population can be accused of inaction or emotional detachment: the expressions voter apathy, student apathy, and consumer apathy show just how unenthusiastic groups of people can be.
Of course, @Tristan. Let’s go through the word “apathy” in detail.
Meaning and Pronunciation
词性: noun (n.) 音标: /ˈæpəθi/ 释义: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. In Chinese: 无兴趣，不关心，无激情
Formal and Informal Usage
Formal Use:
In formal writing, “apathy” is often used to describe a general lack of interest or concern in serious matters, such as politics, social issues, or community involvement.
Example sentences:
“The growing apathy among citizens is a worrying trend for the democratic process.”
“Voter apathy was evident in the low turnout for the recent election.”
Informal Use:
In conversational language, “apathy” can describe someone’s lack of enthusiasm or emotional connection to everyday activities or personal goals.
Example sentences:
“I’m feeling a bit of apathy about my job lately.”
“The students showed apathy towards the assigned homework.”
Examples from Media
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) – “I’m curious. Is it strictly apathy, or do you really not have a goal in life?”
This sentence uses “apathy” to question someone’s lack of motivation or purpose.
Daredevil (2015), Season 1, Episode 10 – “We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy.”
Here, “apathy” is used to urge people to reject inaction and emotional detachment in the face of important issues.
Origin
The word “apathy” comes from the Greek word apatheia, which means “freedom from suffering” or “impassibility”. The word traveled through many languages and has been used in English since the 17th century.
Tips for Remembering the Word
Break it Down:
“a-” means “without”
“-pathy” relates to “emotion” or “feeling”
Together, it signifies “without feeling”
Association:
Connect “apathy” with situations where there’s a notable lack of interest or concern, such as “voter apathy” or “student apathy”. This association helps cement the meaning.
Practice:
Use the word in daily conversations or writings. For instance, “I felt apathy towards the new policy change at work.”
By understanding the context, origin, and usage, you’ll find it easier to remember and use the word “apathy” effectively. Keep practicing with different sentences and situations!