apathetically

USAGE SUMMARY

'apathetically' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something as showing a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Example: The employees at the meeting listened apathetically to the new company policies, showing no passion or motivation to implement them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

They also found it hard to get into the hall, because thugs clobbered them while the police watched apathetically.

The Economist

Some opposition supporters assume apathetically that the result will be rigged.

The Economist

It is as if colour itself has nowhere to spread or settle in the dense space: it meanders aimlessly, apathetically smoldering or flaring up in the twilight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Liberals, feminists and people of all races – especially people who had been active in the #BlackLivesMatter campaign - came down hard, while closet racists (of which there are apparently many), particularly right-wing Republicans and white supremacists chimed in apathetically, chastising the rest for making such a fuss and heavily implying that Bland must have been in the wrong.

Independent

We looked at them apathetically and wandered off into the dust.

The New Yorker

Now, you've absolutely done something unethical here; you behaved cowardly and apathetically, and you might be considered an accessory to the crime.

The New York Times - Magazine

ON a Friday afternoon in June, inside XL, the gay club in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, the four members of Kazaky, a male dance-pop act from Ukraine, were apathetically rehearsing for a performance in celebration of New York's gay pride weekend.

The New York Times

No. 3 Georgetown was considered a tough out in the loaded Midwest Region, but played apathetically on defense and carelessly on offense in giving up its highest point total of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

If I had to make a pie chart of my activity during pregnancy, the two largest sections would be "crying" and "apathetically watching 'Law & Order' reruns".

The New York Times

In a piece titled "Chutian Golden Paper 2007-08-13, An Escapee Being Chased Dropped Through the Top Floor of a Building and Scared Everybody Inside," office workers seated at a gleaming black conference table gaze up, somewhat apathetically, at the jeans-clad legs of a man dangling from a hole in the ceiling above.

The New York Times

The residents mentioned in your article who apathetically or even proudly leave their air-conditioning on while away from their apartments should be ashamed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "apathetically" – it often implies a negative or detached perspective. Choose it when this nuance is appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "apathetically" interchangeably with words like "sadly" or "angrily". "Apathetically" specifically refers to a lack of feeling, not a display of other emotions.

Linguistic Context

Apathetically functions primarily as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to describe how an action is performed with a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apathetically" is a correct and commonly used adverb that describes a lack of interest or concern. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct and it is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it is suitable for neutral register. If you want to express a similar meaning you can use alternatives like "indifferently" or "listlessly". When using "apathetically", make sure to accurately convey a sense of emotional detachment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indifferently

Focuses on the lack of concern or interest in a particular matter.

uninterestedly

Directly states a lack of interest.

listlessly

Emphasizes a lack of energy or enthusiasm in one's actions.

without enthusiasm

Expresses the absence of excitement or eagerness.

lackadaisically

Implies a careless or lazy indifference.

passively

Highlights a lack of active participation or resistance.

half-heartedly

Suggests a lack of commitment or effort.

tepidly

Conveys a mild or lukewarm interest.

nonchalantly

Indicates a casual indifference, often feigned.

in an unconcerned manner

Highlights the absence of worry or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "apathetically" in a sentence?

Use "apathetically" to describe actions or attitudes that show a lack of interest or concern. For example, "The students listened "apathetically" to the lecture."

What are some alternatives to saying "apathetically"?

You can use alternatives like "indifferently", "listlessly", or "passively" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "apathetically cared" about something?

No, that would be a contradiction. "Apathetically" implies a lack of caring, so you can't "apathetically care". It's better to say they "indifferently cared" if you want to express a weak or minimal level of concern.

What's the difference between "apathetically" and "indifferently"?

"Apathetically" suggests a deeper lack of emotion or motivation, while "indifferently" often implies a more casual lack of concern. Someone might react apathetically due to depression, but react indifferently due to boredom.