Pronunciation: [ˈapəθɪ] (IPA) 
The word "apathy" is spelled /ˈæpəθi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word includes five letters and three syllables. It is composed of the prefix "a-", which means "not," and the word "pathos," which means "feeling." The stress falls on the second syllable, and the final "y" is pronounced as a long "e" sound. Apathy is a noun that refers to a lack of interest or enthusiasm for a particular subject or situation.
Apathy is a noun that refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern about something. It is the state of feeling indifferent or unconcerned, often accompanied by a lack of motivation or emotional investment in a particular matter. Apathy can manifest as a passive attitude towards events, issues, or opinions, resulting in a reduced involvement or participation.
This term is commonly used to describe a state of emotional detachment where individuals exhibit a lack of emotional response or empathy towards situations that would normally elicit emotion or empathy. Apathy can be seen as a lack of engagement with the world around us, leading to an absence of feelings, opinions, or action.
Apathy can arise from various factors, such as exhaustion, disillusionment, dissatisfaction, or a sense of powerlessness. It may also be a defense mechanism to protect oneself from emotional distress or to avoid potential disappointment. In some cases, apathy can be a symptom of depression or certain medical conditions.
The consequences of apathy can be detrimental, as it can hinder personal growth, inhibit social relationships, and impede progress in various aspects of life. Overcoming apathy generally requires self-reflection, finding new sources of motivation, setting personal goals, and developing a sense of empathy towards others. Fostering a sense of purpose and engaging in activities that inspire personal interest can help combat apathy and restore a sense of vitality and fulfillment.
Absence of emotion; indifference; insensibility.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Want of feeling; freedom from passion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "apathy" originates from the Greek word "apatheia", which is derived from the prefix "a-" meaning "without", and "pathos" meaning "feeling" or "suffering". In ancient Greek philosophy, "apatheia" referred to a state of freedom from passion or emotion, suggesting indifference or lack of concern. Over time, "apatheia" made its way into Latin as "apatia" and eventually evolved into the modern English term "apathy", which still reflects the original idea of lack of interest or indifference towards something.
