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RSS“Disinterested” Not the Same as “Uninterested”
The constant misuse of disinterested for uninterested is breaking down a very useful distinction of meaning.
To be uninterested is to be lacking in any sense of engagement with the matter:
Sallie is uninterested in algebra.
To be disinterested is to lack bias:
Let the company call in a disinterested mediator to settle the dispute.
The use of disinterest as a verb should probably be avoided:
Her husband tried to disinterest her in taking the course in German.
Better: Her husband tried to discourage her from taking the course in German.
If the person you are describing is not interested in something, use uninterested.
Save disinterested for the judge.
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Glad to know this as I’m sure I’ve used the wrong word in my writings. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve used both of these words wrong. I’m glad I finally know the distinction.
I don’t see the difference. I see people splitting hairs on these kinds of pages. On this page, the subjective argument is that one is a lack of bias, but you need a lack of bias if you don’t become engaged. I become engaged when I have a position. I don’t just robotically show interest for the sake of it. So, I can’t relate to the distinctions being made.
I see one half of one, half of the other. Could go either way depending on how you see it.