apathy

/ˈæ.pə.θi/

Group 15Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(noun)
Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
GRE

Example in Context

Voter apathy in the midterm elections resulted in a turnout so low that the legitimacy of the result was questioned by opposition parties.

Synonyms

indifferencedisinterestnumbness

Etymology

Without feeling; lacking interest or enthusiasm.

  • a- (Greek) — without
  • pathos (Greek) — feeling

Memory Aid

😴Sounds like “a pathy

You feel like saying 'A PATHY' to all your boring friends because you just don't care!

Visual Association

😐A sloth lounging on a branch, utterly indifferent to the world around it.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “apathy” mean on the GRE?

apathy (noun) means “Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern”. Voter apathy in the midterm elections resulted in a turnout so low that the legitimacy of the result was questioned by opposition parties.

How to remember “apathy” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “apathy” sounds like “a pathy”. You feel like saying 'A PATHY' to all your boring friends because you just don't care!

What are synonyms for “apathy”?

Common synonyms: indifference, disinterest, numbness.