impassive look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impassive look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that shows no emotion or reaction, often in situations where one might expect a response. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she maintained an impassive look, betraying no hint of fear or concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The impassive look on Kaluuya's face as he made his "signs".

The Guardian - Opinion

The manager, a dark-skinned woman with a glowering, impassive look, just stared at him, giving no indication that she either recognised him or cared who he was.

The Guardian - Music

I'll give him this, though: Eminem's relationship with his mother is a richly comic and Freudian part of the film, and one time when the impassive look plays well as deadpan humour.

The Guardian

The camera focused on him and continued to do so during the anthem, its attention diverted away to something less important every so often but always returning to its primary target before long, training its glare on Ronaldo as if it was trying to bore a way into his soul, to reveal to the world what was going on behind that impressively impassive look on his face.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

May remained impassive, looking steadfastly straight ahead at a fascinating scratch in the woodwork.

The Guardian

I impassively looked away and sat there, waiting for the green.

Independent

Wearing a blue flak jacket and flip-flops and flanked by two masked marines wielding semiautomatic rifles, the balding Cardenas stood impassively, looking up occasionally, as officials read out details of the operation to capture him.

Huffington Post

Maybe that, and a shot of Kendall curled up on the couch, her face an impassive mask, looking slowly and quietly around the room at her father and her sisters.

Vice

"Idiot!" he screamed, stamping his feet as the impassive cyclist looked on.

The New York Times

Orubebe later walked to the podium where an impassive Jega looked on and continued screaming for 10 minutes, waving a sheet of results as a crowd gathered around him.

The Guardian

Related: Nigeria faces an acid test, whatever the result of this election | Max Siollun Orubebe later walked to the podium where an impassive Jega looked on and continued screaming for 10 minutes, waving a sheet of results as a crowd gathered around him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impassive look" to describe a character's reaction in tense scenes, suggesting they are either hiding their feelings or are unaffected by the situation. This can create suspense or highlight their detachment.

Common error

Don't confuse "impassive" with sadness or disinterest. An "impassive look" indicates a lack of visible emotion, not necessarily a negative emotion. Sadness or disinterest would involve specific facial cues, while impassivity is the absence of such cues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impassive look" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes the quality of a person's gaze, indicating a lack of visible emotion or reaction. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is typically used in descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impassive look" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a facial expression devoid of emotion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically employed to convey neutrality or detachment, often in descriptive narratives within News & Media. While synonyms like "expressionless face" or "blank stare" exist, "impassive look" specifically suggests a lack of discernible emotion rather than sadness or disinterest. To enhance your writing, consider using "impassive look" in tense situations to create suspense or highlight character detachment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless face

Focuses on the lack of any discernible emotion on the face.

blank stare

Emphasizes the vacant and unseeing quality of the gaze.

deadpan expression

Highlights a deliberate lack of emotion, often used for comedic effect.

stoic countenance

Implies a deliberate suppression of emotion, suggesting inner strength.

unreadable face

Focuses on the difficulty of discerning someone's thoughts or feelings from their expression.

vacant gaze

Highlights the empty and unfocused nature of the look.

poker face

Suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal emotions, especially in gambling or negotiations.

neutral expression

Indicates a lack of strong emotion, either positive or negative.

emotionless gaze

Directly states the absence of emotion in the way someone is looking.

wooden face

Implies a stiff and unnatural lack of expression.

FAQs

What does "impassive look" mean?

An "impassive look" refers to a facial expression that reveals no emotion or feeling. It's a blank or neutral expression, making it difficult to discern what the person is thinking or feeling.

How can I use "impassive look" in a sentence?

You can use "impassive look" to describe someone's reaction to a situation, such as: "Despite the shocking news, she maintained an "impassive look"".

What are some synonyms for "impassive look"?

Alternatives to "impassive look" include "expressionless face", "blank stare", or "stoic countenance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "impassive look" and "poker face"?

While both suggest a lack of emotional expression, "poker face" implies a deliberate attempt to conceal emotions, often in a strategic context like gambling. An "impassive look" may be natural or unintentional, without the element of deception.