apathy

Where does the word "apathy" come from? It comes from Greek apatheia, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Apathy’s story begins in Greek: apatheia meant “freedom from suffering or passion.” Literally without suffering, a Stoic ideal of freedom from passion. It reached English by 1600s as apathy. Narrowed to mean simple lack of interest or feeling. Today, apathy means lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient apatheia "freedom from suffering or passion", literally without suffering, a Stoic ideal of freedom from passion.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s apathy "lack of interest or emotion", narrowed to mean simple lack of interest or feeling.