Stolid
hardNeutral toneSTOL-id
adjective
Definition
showing little or no emotion; impassive
Memory hook
STOLID: sounds like 'SOLID' — a person as emotionally SOLID as a stone wall; you could shout in their face and not a flicker crosses it.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The guard remained stolid even as the crowd jeered inches from his face.”
“Her stolid expression gave no clue whether the verdict pleased or pained her.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The guard remained ______ even as the crowd jeered inches from his face.”
Show answer
stolid
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Stolid is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "impassive" or "unemotional" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "emotional".
Related GRE Words
impassive
showing no emotion or expression
phlegmatic
having an unemotional, stolidly calm disposition
stoic
showing endurance of hardship without complaint or visible emotion
equanimity
mental calmness and composure, especially under stress
imperturbable
unable to be upset or agitated; calm
irascible
easily angered; quick-tempered
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