Definition
Stoic refers to someone who is unemotional or shows great self-control, especially in the face of adversity or pain. The term can also refer to the ancient philosophy of stoicism, which teaches self-control and the acceptance of the present moment.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Unemotional, impassive, phlegmatic, dispassionate, indifferent, resigned, serene, detached
Antonyms
Emotional, passionate, impulsive, reactive, temperamental, unstable
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | stoicisms, stoicism, stoics, stoic |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | stoical, stoic |
| Adverb | stoically |
Example Sentences
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Despite losing the championship, the stoic athlete accepted defeat gracefully and without complaint.
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The stoic monk meditated in silence for hours, completely focused on his breath.
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In the face of the pandemic, the stoic healthcare workers continued to work tirelessly, putting their own lives at risk to help others.
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Despite the pain of her illness, she remained stoic and refused to let it affect her daily life.
Usage
The term stoic can be used to describe someone who is unemotional or shows great self-control, even in difficult situations. A person who is stoic may appear detached or indifferent to their surroundings, emotions, or other people’s reactions. The term can also refer to the ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism, which emphasizes rationality, self-control, and the acceptance of the present moment. The philosophy teaches that individuals should focus on what they can control, rather than becoming overly concerned with what they cannot control.
In popular usage, being stoic is often seen as a positive trait, as it suggests someone who is calm, cool, and collected. However, some may view stoicism as a negative trait, as it can be seen as repressing emotions or denying one’s feelings. In certain situations, being stoic may be helpful, such as in a crisis or high-pressure job, where emotional reactions can interfere with decision-making. However, in other situations, such as personal relationships, being stoic may be seen as cold or uncaring.
The word stoic can be used both as an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it can describe a person who is unemotional or shows great self-control, as well as anything related to the philosophy of stoicism. As a noun, it can refer to a person who follows the philosophy of stoicism or is unemotional and self-controlled.