Pronunciation: [stˈɒnɪɪd] (IPA) 
Stonyeyed is a compound word made up of the combining form "stony-" meaning "resembling stone" and the adjective "eyed." This word has two syllables with stress on the first syllable "stone" /ˈstoʊni/. The vowel sound in the first syllable is /oʊ/ as in "stone" while the second syllable has the /aɪ/ sound as in "eye." The final sound in the word is the unvoiced /d/ sound. Therefore, stonyeyed is spelled as [ˈstoʊni-aɪd].
Stony-eyed is an adjective used to describe a person's or animal's facial expression or demeanor when it appears cold, unyielding, and lacking emotion or expression. The term combines the words "stony" and "eyed," indicating an unresponsive or stolid gaze in one's eyes.
The word "stony" in this context implies a resemblance to stone, emphasizing the hardness, rigidity, or impassiveness associated with it. It suggests a lack of warmth, sensibility, or responsiveness, much like a solid and unfeeling object. "Eyed" simply refers to the eyes, typically highlighting the expression or emotion conveyed through them.
A stony-eyed individual or creature may have a blank or fixed gaze, lacking any signs of emotion or interest. This term often depicts a person or an animal whose eyes reveal little about their internal thoughts or feelings, making it challenging to gauge their true sentiments or intentions. It can suggest a cold or distant nature, or may also be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to hide one's emotions or maintain a stoic appearance.
This adjective can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is unemotional, indifferent, or unyielding in their behavior or reactions. Whether it refers to a person or an animal, being stony-eyed is commonly associated with an absence of warmth, empathy, or soulfulness, setting them apart from those who display more open or expressive eyes.
The word "stony-eyed" is composed of two parts: "stony" and "eyed".
The term "stony" comes from the Old English word "stanig", which means "made of stone" or "resembling stone". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "stainaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root word "stai", both of which also mean "stone" or "rock".
The term "eyed" simply means "having eyes" or "with eyes". It is derived from the Middle English word "ëyed", which comes from the Old English word "ēagod", meaning "having eyes".
The combination of "stony" and "eyed" in the word "stony-eyed" creates the figurative meaning of someone having a gaze or expression reminiscent of stone, usually implying an intense, unyielding, or emotionless stare.
