Spanish Conversation · Level 80
60 words
Spanish word
inerte
Pronunciation
IPA/iˈneɾte/
Meaning
- adjectiveunresponsive
Example
Ante la pregunta, su rostro permaneció inerte.
When asked, his face remained unresponsive.
More examples
Durante la discusión, se mostró inerte y no participó.
During the discussion, he appeared unresponsive and did not participate.
Core concept
Completely still, unresponsive body.
Common phrases
quedarse inerte
remain unresponsive
mirada inerte
expressionless gaze
cara inerte
expressionless face
Similar words
inmóvil: Remaining motionless with no change in position or posture.
apático: Showing little interest or enthusiasm and low drive to act.
indiferente: Displaying no concern or emotional investment in people or events.
insensible: Not perceiving or affected by sensory input; unable to feel pain or touch.
Definition in Spanish
Que permanece inmóvil y sin respuesta ante estímulos, sean físicos o emocionales.
Word origin
From Latin iners 'inactive', the adjective kept the idea of lack of activity and came to mean absence of response to stimuli.
Usage tips
- Cognate with English inert, which commonly appears in chemical and figurative contexts, so inerte can sound clinical when applied to people.