Word

stoicism

noun C1

UK /ˈstəʊɪsɪzəm/

US /ˈstoʊɪsɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

a calm, controlled way of dealing with pain, trouble, or disappointment

noun

an ancient philosophy that teaches virtue, reason, and acceptance of what is beyond one’s control

Definition

Stoicism is the practice of staying calm and self-controlled, especially when facing stress or hardship.

Stoicism is a way of thinking and behaving that emphasizes emotional control, resilience, and clear judgment. It involves accepting what you cannot change while focusing your effort on what you can influence. People often use the word to describe a calm, steady attitude in difficult situations. It can also refer to an ancient philosophy from Greece and Rome associated with thinkers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.

Examples

I admired her stoicism when the project collapsed at the last minute, because she focused on solutions rather than blame.
You can mistake his stoicism for indifference, but he is usually processing things carefully before he speaks.
He met the hostile questions with stoicism, keeping his voice steady and his answers precise.
They relied on stoicism during the long, exhausting trek, setting small goals and refusing to panic when the weather turned.
Her stoicism impressed the team; instead of complaining, she calmly reorganized the plan and moved on.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse stoicism with having no feelings, but it usually means controlling emotions rather than lacking them.