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callous definition

cal·lous (kal′əs)

adjective

  1. usually calloused cal′·loused
    1. having calluses
    2. thick and hardened
  2. lacking pity, mercy, etc.; unfeeling

Etymology: ME < L callosus < callum, hard skin

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become callous

noun

callus (sense )

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical callous definition - medical

callous Synonyms

callous

modif.

unfeeling, insensitive, inured, hardened, unsusceptible, uncaring, unaffected by, hard, insensible, stubborn, stiff, unbending, indurated, obdurate, insentient, insensate, inflexible, cold, coldhearted, hardhearted, unresponsive, unconcerned, impassive, apathetic, heartless, coldblooded, impenitent, unsympathetic, soulless, spiritless, toughened, blind to, deaf to, unimpressionable, tough*, hard-boiled*, thick-skinned*, case-hardened*, hard as nails*; see also cruel 2, indifferent 1.

Antonyms concerned, compassionate, sensitive.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

callous Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • so: I wasn't usually so callous in putting flying saucers before family, but this was an exceptional case!

Modifies a noun

  • disregard: They certainly carry the same tone of callous disregard for innocent lives.

Used with adjective complement

  • sound: I know it sounds callous - and that there's more to life than work - but we really need the money.
callous usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"callous." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/callous>

APA Style

callous. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/callous

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