stoic

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a member of the ancient Greek school of philosophy founded by Zeno
  2. noun someone who is seemingly indifferent to emotions
  3. adjective seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain; impassive

Etymology

From Latin stōicus (noun via Middle English Stoycis pl), from Ancient Greek Στωϊκός (Stōïkós), from Ποικίλη Στοά (Poikílē Stoá, “the Stoa Poikile”, literally “painted portico”), the portico in Athens where Zeno of Citium was teaching.

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