What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accidia
Example
The monk struggled with accidia, finding it difficult to maintain his spiritual practices. [accidia: noun]
Example
She felt overwhelmed by accidia and couldn't bring herself to do anything productive. [accidia: noun]
apathy
Example
He showed apathy towards the political situation, feeling that his vote wouldn't make a difference. [apathy: noun]
Example
She was apathetic towards her job and didn't feel motivated to do her best work. [apathetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apathy is a more commonly used word than accidia in everyday language. Apathy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while accidia is less common and may only be familiar to those with a background in philosophy or religion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accidia and apathy?
Both accidia and apathy are formal words, but accidia may be considered more formal due to its origins in religious and philosophical contexts.
