impassive face

USAGE SUMMARY

'impassive face' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person that is exhibiting no emotion. For example, "He stood silently with an impassive face, not revealing his thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Behind his impassive face there seems to be, even from this distance, a smile.

The New Yorker

Chung, a tall man with a lean, impassive face, invited the agents inside.

The New Yorker

His large, impassive face attains the almost creepy handsomeness of a young Schwarzenegger.

The Guardian - Film

Alvarez's shyness, impassive face and humility form a perfect counter to his ruthless skills inside the ropes.

Independent

And then, above the windows, the repeated, impassive face of an owl, the signature detail of this structure.

The New York Times

Heifetz, with his impassive face and statuesque posture, nonetheless played with sizzling passion as well as impeccable technique.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

And the pained, impassioned and sometimes impassive faces within stare right back at them.

The Economist

Kaurismaki loves close-ups on drolly impassive faces and absurdist dialogue filmed with direct sightlines into camera.

The Guardian - Film

By the way these women regard me, with impassive faces, they must know why I am here, at this time of night, when no visitors are allowed.

The New Yorker

Around 4 P.M., Matt Thacker, the C.F.O., clapped me on the back and said, "Exciting day, huh?" I scanned the room of impassive faces.

The New Yorker

Yet Ms. Merkerson allows a kind of intimate access traditionally afforded by cinematic close-ups, when the camera finds shades of meaning in impassive faces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and specificity, consider combining "impassive face" with additional details that may shed some light on why someone might display such a demeanor. For example: 'His impassive face hid a turmoil of emotions'.

Common error

Avoid automatically assuming that an "impassive face" indicates a lack of feeling. Someone may be experiencing strong emotions but suppressing them, or they may simply have a naturally reserved demeanor. Rely on other clues to interpret their true state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impassive face" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (face) with an adjective (impassive). As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It contributes to character development and scene-setting in literature and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impassive face" effectively describes a lack of emotional expression, often suggesting hidden feelings or a deliberate attempt to conceal them. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The term appears most frequently in News & Media. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid making assumptions about the person's internal state based solely on their outward appearance. Consider using alternatives like "expressionless face" or "blank face" to fine-tune the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless face

Focuses on the lack of any expression whatsoever.

blank face

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of discernible emotion.

deadpan expression

Highlights the deliberate lack of emotional response, often used humorously.

stoic countenance

Suggests a deliberate suppression of emotion, implying resilience or fortitude.

unreadable expression

Focuses on the inability to interpret the person's feelings.

wooden expression

Implies stiffness and unnatural lack of emotion.

poker face

Refers specifically to concealing emotions, especially in gambling or competitive situations.

inscrutable face

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the person's thoughts or feelings.

calm face

Focuses on the composure and lack of agitation.

undemonstrative face

Emphasizes the absence of outward displays of emotion.

FAQs

What does "impassive face" mean?

An "impassive face" refers to a facial expression that reveals no emotion or feeling. It suggests a lack of discernible reaction, making it difficult to understand the person's thoughts or state of mind.

What can I say instead of "impassive face"?

You can use alternatives like "expressionless face", "blank face", or "stoic countenance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does an "impassive face" differ from a 'sad face'?

An "impassive face" lacks any discernible emotion, while a 'sad face' clearly displays sadness. The former is neutral, the latter is expressive.

In what situations is it appropriate to describe someone as having an "impassive face"?

It's appropriate when someone shows no emotional reaction in situations where a reaction might be expected, such as during a tense negotiation, a somber event, or when receiving surprising news.