Spanish Conversation · Level 87
60 words
Spanish word
pétreo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈpetɾeo/
Meaning
- adjectiveexpressionless
Example
Su mirada era pétrea.
His gaze was expressionless.
More examples
El paisaje tenía una belleza pétrea al atardecer.
The landscape had a stony beauty at sunset.
Core concept
Stony, motionless facial expression.
Common phrases
voz pétrea
expressionless voice
mirada pétrea
expressionless gaze
Similar words
inexpresivo: Face or voice showing little visible emotion; neutral and blank.
serio: Calm, sober demeanor that appears earnest and not playful.
frío: Emotionally cold attitude or atmosphere that feels unwelcoming and distant.
indiferente: Lack of interest or concern toward people or events; emotionally uninvolved.
Definition in Spanish
Que presenta una expresión rígida e inexpresiva, como si fuera hecha de piedra.
Word origin
The adjective pétreo derives from Greek πέτρα 'rock' via Latin petrosus and originally meant 'rocky', later used figuratively in Spanish for a rigid, emotionless countenance.
Usage tips
- Frequently collocates with mirada, so mirada pétrea usually signals a vivid figurative stare rather than a literal stone face.
Other meanings
- stonyadjective
Opposites
- expresivoexpressiveadjective
Related words
- petrificaciónpetrificationnoun
- petrificadopetrifiedadjective