callous purpose

[ˈkæləs ˈpɜrpəs]
noun phrasepl: callous purposes
propósito insensível
1. an intention or objective that shows a deliberate disregard for the feelings, suffering, or welfare of others; an aim pursued with cruelty or indifference
He acted with callous purpose, dismissing the concerns of those affected by his decisions.
Ele agiu com propósito insensível, descartando as preocupações daqueles afetados por suas decisões.
2. a calculated goal achieved through hardened or emotionally unmoved methods
The company's callous purpose was to maximize profits regardless of environmental impact.
O propósito insensível da empresa era maximizar lucros independentemente do impacto ambiental.
This phrase is commonly used in formal or literary contexts in both Brazilian and American English to describe deliberate harmful actions. In Brazil, it often appears in legal, journalistic, or educational discourse when discussing unethical corporate or political behavior. The concept reflects a moral judgment rather than a purely descriptive statement.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cold-hearted intentioncruel aimhardened objectiveunfeeling designheartless goal
Antonyms / Antônimos
compassionate purposebenevolent intentionkind aimsympathetic objectivehumane goal

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
propósito insensível
standard and widely understood across Brazil
São Paulo
intenção desalmada
alternative colloquial usage emphasizing heartlessness
Rio de Janeiro
objetivo cruel
more direct reference to cruelty
Portugal
propósito insensível / intenção implacável
similar to Brazilian usage but with slight preference for 'implacável'

Related Words

callousnessindifferencecrueltydeliberationintentiondetermination

Related Idioms & Phrases

with malice aforethought
cold-blooded determination
hard-nosed objective
thick-skinned approach
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