VocabDictionary

disinterested

/dɪsˈɪn.trə.stɪd/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Not influenced by personal interest, selfish motives, or bias; impartial.

Example Sentences:
  • A committee of disinterested citizens was appointed to review the complaints.
  • The mediator provided a completely disinterested assessment of the dispute.
2.adjective

Having or showing no interest in something; indifferent.

Example Sentences:
  • He seemed completely disinterested in learning how to play the piano.
  • She was disinterested in their endless political debates.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “disinterested”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the prefix dis- (expressing negation or reversal) combined with interested, originating in the early 17th century. While historically meaning 'free from bias or self-interest' (impartial), it has increasingly come to be used interchangeably with 'uninterested' (lacking interest or indifferent), a usage that is common in modern speech though traditionally considered distinct by strict lexicographers.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a judge: a DISinterested person DIS-misses their own interests to remain completely fair and impartial.

Frequently Asked Questions About “disinterested

1. What is the meaning of “disinterested” in English?

In English, disinterested (adjective) is defined as: “Not influenced by personal interest, selfish motives, or bias; impartial.”.

2. How do you use “disinterested” in a sentence?

A committee of disinterested citizens was appointed to review the complaints.

3. What are English synonyms of “disinterested”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “disinterested”?

Derived from the prefix dis- (expressing negation or reversal) combined with interested, originating in the early 17th century. While historically meaning 'free from bias or self-interest' (impartial), it has increasingly come to be used interchangeably with 'uninterested' (lacking interest or indifferent), a usage that is common in modern speech though traditionally considered distinct by strict lexicographers.