What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apathy
Example
She showed apathy towards the news, not caring about what was happening in the world. [apathy: noun]
Example
He apathetically shrugged his shoulders, showing no interest in the conversation. [apathetically: adverb]
detachment
Example
She approached the problem with detachment, analyzing it objectively without letting her emotions cloud her judgment. [detachment: noun]
Example
He tried to maintain a sense of detachment from the situation, not allowing himself to get too emotionally involved. [detachment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apathy is more commonly used than detachment in everyday language. Apathy is often used to describe a general lack of interest or enthusiasm, while detachment is more specific and can be used in contexts where emotional or mental separation is emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apathy and detachment?
Both apathy and detachment can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, detachment may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with objectivity and analysis.
