Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day — "Apathy"

Date: August 22, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day focuses on the word "apathy"—its definition, etymology, and descriptive utility in everyday language. Host Peter Sokolowski delves into how "apathy" fits into the family tree of "pathos" words and distinguishes it from related terms such as "antipathy," "sympathy," and "empathy."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

What Does "Apathy" Mean?

• Definition:
  • Apathy (noun): a lack of feeling or emotion; a lack of interest or concern.
    • [00:44] "Apathy is a noun. It refers to a lack of feeling or emotion, or to a lack of interest or concern." — Peter Sokolowski

Usage in Context

• Example Sentence:
  • From How to Be a Living Thing by Mary Andrew:
    • [00:51] “‘I find myself shrugging a lot more and answering that seems true, and saying the exact same thing to the opposing argument. I found myself concerned about my apparent apathy and disinterest in picking fights. On the flip side, I'm an easier person to be around once more.’” — Cited by Peter Sokolowski

Comparison with Related Words

• Apathy vs. Antipathy, Sympathy, Empathy:
  • [01:20] “While its siblings antipathy, sympathy, and empathy refer to often strong emotions—whether tender or terrible—the word apathy is unconcerned with all that.” — Peter Sokolowski
  • Described as the “perfect word” for feeling blasé, indifferent, or “meh.”
    • [01:33] "Whether one is feeling blasé, indifferent, or, to use a more recent coinage, meh, apathy is the perfect word for such a lack of passion."

Etymology & Word Family

• Root:
  • Pathos: Greek, meaning "experience," "misfortune," or "emotion."
  • Apathy comes from Greek apathos, meaning "not suffering, without passion or feeling," through Latin and French to English.
  • The prefix "a-" means "without."
    • [01:43] "At the root of apathy and its kin is pathos, a Greek word meaning experience, misfortune, or emotion, which led first to the adjective apathos, meaning not suffering, without passion or feeling, or impassive, and then the noun apatheia..."
  • Related prefixes explained:
    • Anti-: opposite
    • Sym-: at the same time
    • Em- (not "mem" as misspoken): in or within
      • [02:05] "The other aforementioned pathos descendants are of course, supplied with their own prefixes that give clues to their respective meanings: anti... sym... and em..."

Closing Remark

• With your word of the day: Peter Sokolowski signs off.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Sokolowski:
  • "[Apathy] refers to a lack of feeling or emotion, or to a lack of interest or concern." (00:44)
  • "Whether one is feeling blasé, indifferent, or, to use a more recent coinage, meh, apathy is the perfect word for such a lack of passion." (01:33)
  • "At the root of apathy and its kin is pathos, a Greek word meaning experience, misfortune, or emotion..." (01:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:44 — Definition of "apathy"
• 00:51 — Example from Mary Andrew
• 01:20 — Comparing apathy, antipathy, sympathy, and empathy
• 01:33 — Modern "meh" connection
• 01:43 — Etymology and word family
• 02:05 — Explanation of related prefixes

Tone and Language

This episode maintains an informative and conversational tone typical of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day, enriching vocabulary with historical and practical context.