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Stolid

Pronunciation

stol·​id  /ˈstɒl.ɪd /

Meaning

Stolid describes a person who is calm, dependable, and shows little or no emotion. It suggests a lack of excitement, passion, or expressiveness, often implying an unshakeable, almost indifferent demeanour.

Origin and etymology

The word "stolid" comes from the Latin word stolidus, meaning “dull, stupid, slow-witted, or insensitive.”

The earliest examples of usage for stolid, dating back to the early 17th century, indicate that it too was originally associated with a lack of smarts; it was used to describe people who were considered dull or stupid because they didn't wear their emotions on their sleeves.

By the 1800s, however, stolid was frequently appearing without the connotation of foolishness, and it continues to be free of such overtones today.

Historical usage and evolution

In early English usage, stolid was used to describe someone who was unemotional, dull, or slow-witted, often with a lack of responsiveness or interest. Today, it is mostly used in a neutral or slightly negative way to describe people who seem unmoved or emotionally detached in various situations.

Examples from books and articles

  • They were middle-class people who had lived all their married lives in a butter-coloured, middle-class ranch house in a stolid, middle-class town - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
  • My shyness and gaucherie became worse, too, making me stolid and dumb when people came to the house - Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Synonyms

  • Unemotional
  • Impassive
  • Composed
  • Stoic
  • Serene
  • Unflappable
  • Level-headed
  • Collected
  • Apathetic
  • Indifferent