disinterested
unbiased by personal interest or advantage; not influenced by selfish motives: a disinterested decision by the referee.
not interested; indifferent.
Origin of disinterested
1synonym study For disinterested
confusables note For disinterested
Many object to the use of disinterested to mean “not interested, indifferent.” They insist that disinterested can mean only “impartial”: A disinterested observer is the best judge of behavior. However, both senses are well established in all varieties of English, and the sense intended is almost always clear from the context.
Other words for disinterested
Opposites for disinterested
Other words from disinterested
- dis·in·ter·est·ed·ly, adverb
- dis·in·ter·est·ed·ness, noun
- non·dis·in·ter·est·ed, adjective
Words that may be confused with disinterested
- disinterested , uninterested (see confusables note at the current entry)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use disinterested in a sentence
Even if people are disinterested in voting, they still have to maintain a belief that it is fair and that people have access to voting as a means for changing our president or any of our representatives.
‘Disinformation can be a very lucrative business, especially if you’re good at it,’ media scholar says | Joe Heim | January 19, 2021 | Washington PostHe’s had a lot of good ideas and it sounds good, but when he gets so far and he gets disinterested, he drops the ball and moves on to something else.
Although the Blakes had taken in a minor in need of a safe home, the child welfare system seemed distant and disinterested.
Her Stepfather Admitted to Sexually Abusing Her. That Wasn’t Enough to Keep Her Safe. | by Nadia Sussman | September 18, 2020 | ProPublicaIn some states the requirements are strict in respect to the disinterestedness of the official who takes the acknowledgment.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney BollesAs a man the Marshal was loved and respected by all for his absolute disinterestedness and straightforwardness.
Napoleon's Marshals | R. P. Dunn-Pattison
It is the motive alone that gives merit to human actions, and disinterestedness perfects them.
The 'Characters' of Jean de La Bruyre | Jean de La BruyreIn spite of yourself, you think of leaving me some day, and you want to put your disinterestedness beyond risk of suspicion.
Camille (La Dame aux Camilias) | Alexandre Dumas, filsHow noble was his disinterestedness in giving to Lot the choice of lands for his family and his flocks and his cattle!
Beacon Lights of History, Volume II | John Lord
British Dictionary definitions for disinterested
/ (dɪsˈɪntrɪstɪd, -tərɪs-) /
free from bias or partiality; objective
not interested
usage For disinterested
Derived forms of disinterested
- disinterestedly, adverb
- disinterestedness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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