What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expressionless
Example
She stared at him with an expressionless face. [expressionless: adjective]
Example
He listened to the news with an expressionless look on his face. [expressionless: noun]
impassive
Example
The detective remained impassive during the interrogation. [impassive: adjective]
Example
She tried to read his thoughts, but his impassive expression gave nothing away. [impassive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expressionless is more commonly used than impassive in everyday language, and it is versatile enough to be used in various contexts. Impassive is less common and is typically used in formal or serious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between expressionless and impassive?
Both expressionless and impassive are often used in formal or serious contexts, but impassive may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage and more nuanced meaning.
