Callously — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈka-ləs/ cal·lous

Meaning & Definition of Callously

Callously (adjective)

  1. being hardened and thickened
  2. having calluses
  3. feeling no emotion

Callously (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in ruthlessly, mercilessly

    similar: cold-bloodedly, hard-heartedly, heartlessly, inhumanely, inhumanly, insensately, insensitively, mercilessly, obdurately, pitilessly, ruthlessly, tyrannically, uncharitably, unfeelingly, unmercifully, unsparingly, brutally, hard, hardly, harshly, ill, oppressively, roughly, severely, sternly, stiffly, abusively, brutishly, savagely, viciously, aggressively, assertively, decidedly, determinedly, firmly, grimly, gruffly, resolutely, strongly, toughly
    opposite: clemently, gently, leniently, lightly, mildly, softly, benevolently, benignantly, considerately, cordially, graciously, kindly, lovingly, tenderly, charitably, compassionately, humanely, mercifully, softheartedly, sympathetically, tolerantly, understandingly

Related Entry: Callous (adjective)

Callous is a different word from Callously. The synonyms below are for callous, not for callously.

  1. having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings

    "the callous comment It's just a fish, when the boy's pet died, made him cry"

    similar: affectless, case-hardened, cold-blooded, compassionless, desensitized, hard, hard-boiled, hard-hearted, heartless, indurate, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, insensitive, ironhearted, merciless, obdurate, pachydermatous, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, slash-and-burn, soulless, stony, stonyhearted, take-no-prisoners, thick-skinned, uncharitable, unfeeling, unmerciful, unsparing, unsympathetic
    related: boorish, heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, uncaring, unfriendly, unloving, unthinking, grim, hard-bitten, harsh, heavy-handed, ironfisted, ironhanded, jackbooted, knock-down, drag-out, oppressive, rough, rough-and-tumble, severe, sledgehammer, stern, tough, ungentle, abusive, acrimonious, disagreeable, hateful, ill-natured, ill-tempered, malevolent, malicious, mean, rancorous, spiteful, surly, virulent, barbarous, bestial, brutal, brutish, cruel, evil-minded, savage, vicious, austere, cold, frosty
    opposite: charitable, compassionate, humane, kindhearted, kindly, merciful, sensitive, softhearted, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted
    near: benevolent, benignant, gentle, kind, clement, indulgent, lenient, mild, cordial, friendly, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious, tolerant, understanding, affectionate, fond, loving

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Callously

The most common words with a similar meaning to Callously:

cold-bloodedly, hard-heartedly, heartlessly, inhumanely, inhumanly, insensately, insensitively, mercilessly, obdurately, pitilessly, ruthlessly, tyrannically, uncharitably, unfeelingly, unmercifully, unsparingly, brutally, hard, hardly, harshly, ill, oppressively, roughly, severely, sternly, stiffly, abusively, brutishly, savagely, viciously, aggressively, assertively, decidedly, determinedly, firmly, grimly, gruffly, resolutely, strongly, toughly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Callously

Words with the opposite meaning of Callously:

clemently, gently, leniently, lightly, mildly, softly, benevolently, benignantly, considerately, cordially, graciously, kindly, lovingly, tenderly, charitably, compassionately, humanely, mercifully, softheartedly, sympathetically, tolerantly, understandingly

Word Forms of Callously

Derived words: callously (adverb), callousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Callously

Middle English, from Latin callosus, from callum, callus callous skin

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Callously

What does "Callously" mean?

"Callously" means being hardened and thickened. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: being hardened and thickened.

What is another word for "Callously"?

Other words for "Callously" include cold-bloodedly, hard-heartedly, heartlessly, inhumanely, inhumanly, insensately, insensitively and mercilessly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Callously" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Callously"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Callously". Common alternatives include cold-bloodedly, hard-heartedly, heartlessly, inhumanely, inhumanly, insensately, insensitively, mercilessly, obdurately and pitilessly.

What is the opposite of "Callously"?

Antonyms of "Callously" include clemently, gently, leniently, lightly, mildly, softly, benevolently and benignantly.

Is "Callously" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Callously" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Callously"?

"Callously" is pronounced /ˈka-ləs/ and divided into syllables as cal·lous.

What is the origin of the word "Callously"?

"Callously" comes from Middle English, from Latin callosus, from callum, callus callous skin. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Callously" meaning "as in ruthlessly, mercilessly"?

When "Callously" (adverb) means as in ruthlessly, mercilessly, synonyms include cold-bloodedly, hard-heartedly, heartlessly, inhumanely, inhumanly and insensately. Opposites in this sense include clemently, gently, leniently and lightly.