remain indifferent

[rɪˈmeɪn ˈɪndɪfərənt]
verb phrase
permanecer indiferente
1. to stay unmoved or unaffected by something; to maintain a lack of interest or concern
He chose to remain indifferent to the criticism despite its harshness.
Ele escolheu permanecer indiferente às críticas apesar de sua dureza.
2. to show no emotional response or engagement with a situation or person
She could not remain indifferent when her friend was in need.
Ela não conseguia permanecer indiferente quando sua amiga precisava de ajuda.
3. to maintain neutrality without taking sides or expressing preference
The government tried to remain indifferent in the dispute between the two parties.
O governo tentou permanecer indiferente na disputa entre os dois partidos.
In Brazilian culture, showing 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility) sometimes conflicts with remaining indifferent; Brazilians tend to be emotionally expressive. However, 'permanecer indiferente' is used to describe intentional emotional detachment, particularly in professional or conflictual situations. In American culture, this phrase reflects valued traits of objectivity and cool-headedness in business and politics.
NYC Slang
stay unbothered
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stay detachedkeep aloofstay neutralremain unmovedbe unaffectedshow no interest
Antonyms / Antônimos
become engagedshow concerntake sidesdemonstrate interestexpress emotionbe moved

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
permanecer indiferente
most common and standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ficar de boa
colloquial alternative meaning 'to stay cool' or 'not care'
São Paulo
manter-se indiferente
slightly more formal alternative used in business contexts
Portugal
manter-se indiferente
preferred in formal Portuguese; more commonly used than Brazilian version

Related Words

indifferenceapathydetachmentneutralityunconcerneddispassionatestoic

Related Idioms & Phrases

turn a blind eye
cold shoulder
couldn't care less
water off a duck's back
not give a damn
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