Word
stoic
Phoneticssto·ic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstoʊɪk/
UK/stˈəʊɪk/
Definition
adj. describing someone who can stay calm and not complain when they are in pain or having a hard time. You use this for people who control their feelings very well.
adj. enduring pain or hardship without a display of feelings and without complaint. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'stay'.
Examples
“He remained stoic even when he received the bad news.”
“Despite the physical exhaustion of the marathon, the runner maintained a stoic expression until she crossed the finish line.”
“The protagonist's stoic acceptance of his fate serves as a central theme, illustrating the philosophical belief that one should focus only on what is within their control.”
Examples
simple
“He remained stoic even when he received the bad news.”
contextual
“Despite the physical exhaustion of the marathon, the runner maintained a stoic expression until she crossed the finish line.”
complex
“The protagonist's stoic acceptance of his fate serves as a central theme, illustrating the philosophical belief that one should focus only on what is within their control.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb or modifies a person's reaction or expression.
Real-World Examples
“Clancy, who was left paralysed after jumping from a second-floor window shortly after the killings, appeared stoic as she sat in a wheelchair beside her lawyer.” “Jack is 12 when we meet him, and in the care of his mother’s people: two stoic grandparents, a trio of blustering uncles and an unhelpfully gorgeous aunt.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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