Stoic Meaning and Definition
Stoic
Pronunciation
/ˈstoɪk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who can exhibit great emotional strength and resilience in the face of adversity, often demonstrating a sense of inner peace and unshakeable calm in difficult circumstances.
Examples
- The stoic leader remained composed in the face of criticism.
- She exhibited stoic determination in the marathon.
Synonyms
- Philosopher
- Resilient
Antonyms
- Petulant
- Emotionally Volatile
Etymology
From Greek στωικós (stōikós), meaning “of the Stoics”, a school of thought founded by Zeno of Citium, emphasizing reason, self-control, and indifference to external events.
Usage Notes
The term ‘stoic’ is often used to describe someone who remains calm and composed in the face of adversity, but it can also be used to describe someone who is too rigid or unemotional.
Cultural References
The term ‘stoic’ has been used to describe characters in literature and film, such as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series and Tony Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Bearing it like a stoic”: tolerating something unpleasant with patience and courage.
Related Words or Phrases
- Philosophy
- Resilience
- Fortitude
Collocations
- Stoic calm
- Stoic resolve
- Stoic silence
Frequency of Use
The term ‘stoic’ is commonly used in modern language, particularly in psychological and philosophical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Sotik
- Stoik
- Stoike