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be insensitive

[/bi ɪnˈsɛnsɪtɪv/]
verb phrase
ser insensível
1. to lack awareness or concern for the feelings, needs, or circumstances of others
It was insensitive of him to make jokes about her loss.
Foi insensível da parte dele fazer piadas sobre a perda dela.
2. to be unresponsive or unaffected by something
The material is insensitive to temperature changes.
O material é insensível a mudanças de temperatura.
3. to show a lack of emotional understanding or empathy
Don't be insensitive to their cultural differences.
Não seja insensível às diferenças culturais deles.
NYC Slang
be cold-hearted / be a jerk
Synonyms
be tactlessbe unfeelingbe uncaringlack empathybe callous
Antonyms
be sensitivebe empatheticbe tactfulbe consideratebe compassionate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser insensível
most common usage
São Paulo
ser insensível / ser duro
duro can be used colloquially for someone emotionally hard
Rio de Janeiro
ser insensível / ser frio
frio (cold) used colloquially for emotional detachment
Portugal
ser insensível / ser indiferente
indiferente also commonly used for lacking sensitivity

Related Idioms & Phrases

have no heart
be thick-skinned
lack a soft touch
have no feeling for
turn a blind eye to
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