Callous vs. Callus — What's the Difference?
"Callous" refers to being emotionally insensitive or unfeeling, while "Callus" denotes a thickened and hardened part of the skin. Both words, though pronounced similarly, differ in meaning and usage.
Difference Between Callous and Callus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Callous" and "Callus" are two words that, while sounding similar, represent distinct concepts. "Callous" typically describes a person or behavior characterized by a lack of empathy or emotional sensitivity. In contrast, "Callus" refers to a physical condition where the skin thickens due to repeated friction or pressure.
When one exhibits a "Callous" attitude, they might seem indifferent to the feelings or needs of others. This can be through words, actions, or simply a lack of response. On the other hand, a "Callus" can be a result of manual labor, playing musical instruments, or any activity that applies consistent pressure to the skin.
"Callous" can often have negative connotations, implying that an individual is cold-hearted or uncaring. Meanwhile, having a "Callus" might be seen as a badge of hard work or dedication to a particular craft or activity.
In literature, a "Callous" character may be depicted as a villain or someone with a hardened heart. In contrast, "Callus" might be used in descriptions to showcase a character's labor-intensive lifestyle or profession.
While "Callous" is more abstract and pertains to feelings and attitudes, "Callus" is tangible, relating to a visible and touchable condition on the skin.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Emotional or Behavioral
Physical
Description
Insensitive or unfeeling
Thickened area of skin
Usage
Pertains to feelings and attitudes
Relates to a skin condition
Connotation
Often negative (cold-hearted)
Neutral (indicative of repeated friction or pressure)
Examples
Cold responses, indifference
Hardened skin on hands or feet
Compare with Definitions
Callous
Emotionally insensitive.
His Callous remarks hurt her feelings.
Callus
A lesion on plant tissue.
The gardener noticed a Callus on the orchid stem.
Callous
Indifferent to the suffering of others.
His Callous dismissal of their problems shocked everyone.
Callus
An area of tissue that forms at a fracture site.
The X-ray showed a Callus forming around the broken bone.
Callous
Unfeeling or uncaring.
She was surprised by his Callous attitude.
Callus
A protective layer on the skin.
His feet had a Callus from walking barefoot.
Callous
Lacking compassion or empathy.
The villain's Callous actions made him universally hated.
Callus
A callus is an area of thickened skin that forms as a response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on the feet and hands, but they may occur anywhere on the skin.
Callous
Hardened or cold-hearted.
The tragedy made him Callous over the years.
Callus
A thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially in an area that has been subjected to friction.
Callous
Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
His callous comments about the murder made me shiver
Callus
A localized thickening and enlargement of the horny layer of the skin. Also called callosity.
Callous
Variant spelling of callus
Callus
The hard bony tissue that develops around the ends of a fractured bone during healing.
Callous
Having calluses; toughened
Callous skin on the elbow.
Callus
Undifferentiated tissue that develops on or around an injured or cut plant surface or in tissue culture.
Callous
Emotionally hardened; unfeeling
A callous indifference to the suffering of others.
Callus
The hardened, sometimes sharp base of the spikelet of certain grasses.
Callous
To make or become callous.
Callus
To form or develop such hardened tissue. See Usage Note at callous.
Callous
(figurative) Emotionally hardened; unfeeling and indifferent to the suffering/feelings of others.
She was so callous that she could criticise a cancer patient for wearing a wig.
Callus
A hardened area of the skin (especially on the foot or hand) caused by repeated friction, wear or use.
Callous
(literal) Having calluses, or relating to calluses.
Callus
The material of repair in fractures of bone; a substance exuded at the site of fracture, which is at first soft or cartilaginous in consistency, but is ultimately converted into true bone and unites the fragments into a single piece.
Callous
Alternative form of callus
Callus
(botany) The new formation over the end of a cutting, before it puts out rootlets.
Callous
Alternative form of callus
Callus
(entomology) A shining area on the frons of many species of Tabanomorpha (horse flies and relatives).
Callous
Hardened; indurated.
Callus
(intransitive) To form such hardened tissue.
Callous
Hardened in mind; insensible; unfeeling; unsusceptible.
It is an immense blessing to be perfectly callous to ridicule.
A callousness and numbness of soul.
Callus
Same as Callosity
Callous
Make insensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals
Callus
The new formation over the end of a cutting, before it puts out rootlets.
Callous
Emotionally hardened;
A callous indifference to suffering
Cold-blooded and indurate to public opinion
Callus
An area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot)
Callus
Bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone
Callus
(botany) an isolated thickening of tissue, especially a stiff protuberance on the lip of an orchid
Callus
Cause a callus to form on;
The long march had callused his feet
Callus
Form a callus or calluses;
His foot callused
Callus
A thickened area of skin due to friction.
Playing guitar left a Callus on his fingertips.
Callus
Hardened skin from repeated pressure.
She developed a Callus from writing for hours.
Common Curiosities
Is "Callous" related to emotions?
Yes, "Callous" describes being emotionally insensitive.
Can "Callus" be found on hands?
Yes, a "Callus" can form on hands due to repeated friction.
What causes a "Callus" on the skin?
A "Callus" forms due to consistent friction or pressure on the skin.
Can a person be described as "Callous" for ignoring someone?
Yes, ignoring or being indifferent can be seen as a "Callous" action.
Is "Callus" a medical term?
Yes, "Callus" can refer to a medical condition where the skin thickens.
Would a "Callous" person be considered empathetic?
No, a "Callous" person is generally considered lacking in empathy.
Is "Callous" a behavior or a skin condition?
"Callous" describes behavior, while "Callus" is a skin condition.
Can a "Callus" form on any part of the body?
A "Callus" typically forms on areas subjected to consistent friction or pressure.
Does "Callous" always imply something negative?
Typically, "Callous" has a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of empathy.
Can shoes cause a "Callus"?
Yes, tight or ill-fitting shoes can lead to a "Callus".
Does "Callous" mean the same as rude?
Not exactly. While both imply insensitivity, "Callous" is more about emotional coldness.
Can someone be born "Callous"?
"Callous" is a behavioral description, and while temperament varies, it's typically shaped by experiences.
Can "Callous" be used to describe an action?
Yes, actions can be described as "Callous" if they display insensitivity.
Do guitar players often get "Callus"?
Yes, many guitar players develop a "Callus" on their fingertips.
Are corns and "Callus" the same?
No, while both are skin conditions, corns are a specific type of "Callus".
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