The word "stoical" is often misspelled as "stoic" without the additional "-al" suffix. The correct spelling of "stoical" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The word is pronounced /ˈstoʊɪkəl/ with stress on the first syllable. The "-al" ending is pronounced /əl/, which is the unstressed schwa sound. Understanding the IPA transcription can help improve spelling accuracy and ensure correct pronunciation of words like "stoical."
Stoical is an adjective that describes a person or their behavior when they display a remarkable amount of self-control and endurance in the face of both pleasure and pain. It comes from the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism, which advocated for the suppression of emotions in order to achieve tranquility and resilience.
A stoical individual is often characterized by their ability to remain calm and unaffected by challenging or distressing circumstances. They possess a strong sense of discipline and possess an inner strength that allows them to endure hardships without succumbing to emotional or physical turmoil. Regardless of the situation, a stoical person maintains composure and portrays a sense of detached acceptance.
The stoical attitude also extends to the way in which one experiences pleasure or success. Instead of becoming overly elated or exuberant, a stoical person exercises restraint and does not let external events sway their emotions. They maintain a sense of equanimity and do not allow themselves to be overwhelmed or controlled by their feelings.
The stoical philosophy emphasizes the importance of rationality and the ability to separate oneself from the unnecessary and fleeting aspects of life. Stoics believe in focusing on what lies within one's control and accepting the things that cannot be changed. By cultivating an attitude of stoicism, individuals strive to achieve a state of inner peace and harmony, immune to the fluctuations of external circumstances.
Pert. to the Stoics or their doctrines; unaffected by passion; unfeeling.
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 "stoical" comes from the Ancient Greek word "stoikos" (Στωϊκός), which means "pertaining to the Stoics". The Stoics were members of a school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around the 3rd century BCE. They believed in the importance of inner tranquility, acceptance of fate, and the ethical and moral duty of individuals. Their philosophy emphasized self-control, endurance, and indifference to pain or pleasure. The term "stoical" was adopted into English in the 16th century to describe someone who possesses or embodies the qualities associated with Stoic philosophy.