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be callous

[/bi ˈkæləs/]
verb phrase
ser insensível
1. to be emotionally hardened, unfeeling, or indifferent to the suffering of others
It was callous of him to laugh at her misfortune.
Foi insensível da parte dele rir da desgraça dela.
2. to show a lack of sympathy or compassion
The politician's callous remarks about the homeless shocked everyone.
Os comentários insensíveis do político sobre os sem-abrigo chocaram a todos.
NYC Slang
be cold-blooded; be stone-hearted
Synonyms
be heartlessbe cold-heartedbe indifferentbe unfeelingbe cruelbe insensitive
Antonyms
be compassionatebe sympatheticbe kindbe caringbe sensitive

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser insensível; ser desumano; ser cruel
most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
ser de pedra; ser sem coração
colloquial expressions
São Paulo
ser frio; não ter empatia
urban usage
Portugal
ser duro; ser sem piedade
formal and colloquial usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

have a heart of stone
be made of stone
lack empathy
turn a blind eye
show one's true colors
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