INDIFFERENT


Meaning of INDIFFERENT in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ in-ˈdi-fərnt, -f(ə-)rənt ]

adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin indifferent-, indifferens, from in- + different-, differens, present participle of differre to be different — more at differ

Date: 14th century

1. : marked by impartiality : unbiased

2.

a. : that does not matter one way or the other

b. : of no importance or value one way or the other

3.

a. : marked by no special liking for or dislike of something

indifferent about which task he was given

b. : marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something : apathetic

indifferent to suffering and poverty

4. : being neither excessive nor inadequate : moderate

hills of indifferent size

5.

a. : being neither good nor bad : mediocre

does indifferent work

b. : being neither right nor wrong

6. : characterized by lack of active quality : neutral

an indifferent chemical

7.

a. : not differentiated

indifferent tissues of the human body

b. : capable of development in more than one direction ; especially : not yet embryologically determined

• in·dif·fer·ent·ly adverb

Synonyms:

indifferent , unconcerned , incurious , aloof , detached , disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest. indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles

unconcerned about the homeless

incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness

incurious about the world

aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness

aloof from his coworkers

detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.