Impassive means showing no emotion or reaction, even in situations where most people would respond strongly. An impassive face reveals nothing: no smile, no frown, no surprise, no anger. It's like a mask of calm that gives no clues about what someone is thinking or feeling.

Imagine your friend telling you exciting news, but you just stare blankly without any reaction. That would be an impassive response. Or picture a poker player who keeps her face completely neutral whether she has great cards or terrible ones: that's being impassive on purpose, and it's called a “poker face.”

Sometimes people are impassive deliberately, like a judge listening to arguments in court who carefully shows no emotion to remain fair. Other times someone might seem impassive because they're overwhelmed, shocked, or trying hard not to cry.

It's the opposite of expressive or animated. When someone stands impassively while chaos unfolds around them, they're staying still and showing no emotion while everyone else reacts. Being impassive can make you seem mysterious, controlled, or sometimes just disconnected from what's happening.