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apparent apathy

[/əˈpærənt ˈæpəθi/]
noun phrase
apatia aparente
1. A seeming or ostensible lack of interest, concern, or emotion that may or may not reflect one's true feelings
His apparent apathy toward the project masked his deep frustration.
Sua apatia aparente em relação ao projeto ocultava sua frustração profunda.
2. A display of indifference that appears genuine but could be a facade or defense mechanism
The student's apparent apathy about grades was actually a coping mechanism for anxiety.
A apatia aparente do estudante sobre notas era na verdade um mecanismo de defesa para a ansiedade.
Synonyms
seeming indifferenceostensible disinterestsurface apathyfeigned apathyapparent indifference
Antonyms
genuine concernreal interestauthentic enthusiasmtrue engagement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
apatia aparente
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
indiferença aparente
Alternative colloquial usage
São Paulo
apatia aparente
Standard usage in business and formal contexts
Portugal
apatia aparente
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

the calm before the storm
playing it cool
keeping one's cards close to the chest
putting on a brave face
masking one's true feelings
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