different between steely vs callous

English

Etymology

From steel +? -y.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?sti?li/
• Homophone: stele
• Rhymes: -i?li

Adjective

steely (comparative steelier, superlative steeliest)

1. Having qualities resembling those of steel, especially hard and resolute.

   The bully backed down before his steely gaze.

   steely grey hair

   • She would unarm her noble heart of that steely resistance against the sweet blows of love.
2. Made of steel.
   • Around his shop the steely sparkles flew.

Derived terms

• steelily
• steeliness

Translations

Anagrams

• sleety, stylee

English

Etymology

From Latin call?sus (“hard-skinned”), from callum (“hardened skin”) + -?sus.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?kæl?s/
• Rhymes: -æl?s
• Homophone: callus

Adjective

callous (comparative more callous, superlative most callous)

1. Emotionally hardened; unfeeling and indifferent to the suffering/feelings of others.

   She was so callous that she could criticise a cancer patient for wearing a wig.

2. Having calluses.

Synonyms

• heartless
• insensitive

Related terms

• calloused
• callus

Translations

Noun

callous (plural callouses)

1. Alternative form of callus