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View synonyms for

callous

[ kal-uhs ]

adjective

  1. made hard; hardened.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  2. insensitive; indifferent; unsympathetic:

    They have a callous attitude toward the sufferings of others.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  3. having a callus; indurated, as parts of the skin exposed to friction.


verb (used with or without object)

  1. to make or become hard or callous.

callous

/ ˈæə /

adjective

  1. unfeeling; insensitive
  2. (of skin) hardened and thickened
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. pathol to make or become callous
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈdzܲ, adverb
  • ˈdzܲԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·dzܲ· adverb
  • ·dzܲ·Ա noun
  • ܲ··dzܲ adjective
  • un··dzܲ· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of callous1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin ōܲ “hard-skinned, tough,” equivalent to call(um) “tough skin, any hard substance” + -ōܲ -ous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of callous1

C16: from Latin ōܲ; see callus
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Synonym Study

See hard.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The band’s hardcore devotees may wonder if AC/DC may be slightly callous or merely driven, as their career suggests.

From

During sentencing on Friday he was also given a 20-year driving ban for what the judge called his "extremely callous" actions.

From

However, the court heard she had first gone out and bought milk and sandwiches "so he could eat before he was taken into police custody", actions the coroner described as "even more callous" than Sheridan's.

From

And I discovered the callous tactics that criminals were using to take it from them.

From

"These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain," he said.

From

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Callotcallousness