Confusing Words: Disinterested and Uninterested (adjective)
Meaning:
Disinterested (not influenced by considerations of personal advantage.)
Uninterested (not interested in or concerned about something or someone._
Disinterested vs uninterested Clarification: The terms ‘disinterested’ and ‘uninterested’ are not interchangeable. Though, both of these words are used as adjectives
If you are an English writer or speaker, you probably feel a lot of confusion with word choice because English vocabulary has hundreds of confusing words. In this post, I am going to talk about disinterested vs. uninterested.
Do not think these words similar. There is, for sure, a difference between disinterested and uninterested. I will define each of these words with example sentences. Continue reading!
Disinterested vs. Uninterested – Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Are you disinterested or uninterested?
Most of the people say that there is no difference between these words and you can use them interchangeably. However, if you write professionally, you should know that there is a great difference between disinterested and uninterested; and you should not mix them up.
The biggest confusion comes up because of the two meanings of the term ‘disinterested.’ The first and foremost meaning is the most accepted meaning but the other one is nearly similar as the meaning of uninterested which is said to be an error.
Let us check out their definitions one by one.
Uninterested
Uninterested is used as an adjective within a sentence. It means not interested in something or someone; or unresponsive to involve in something. Uninterested is synonymous with unconcerned, bored by, etc.
See the example sentences below,
- The students were uninterested in yesterday’s lecture on politics, so I planned to move on to another topic.
- Don’t disturb me! I am uninterested in going out for a walk.
- You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity. (Thomas Wolfe)
Disinterested
Disinterested is used as an adjective within a sentence. It means impartial; or unbiased by a personal interest or an advantage. A disinterested person is neutral in the sense that nothing could influence him/her.
See the example sentences below,
- I will go with the judge’s result; he is, surely, a disinterested observer.
- Advices should be disinterested because it’s a matter of the will.
- Truthful movements spontaneously attract to themselves all manner of pure and disinterested help. (Mahatma Gandhi)
As, I said before that there are two different meanings of disinterested, the above definition of disinterested is widely accepted. The other meaning is similar as the meaning of uninterested, which is unconcerned or bored.
Try to not use the second meaning as this meaning is considered to be an error and should be avoided in writing.
What Did You Learn?
The terms ‘disinterested’ and ‘uninterested’ are not interchangeable. Though, both of these words are used as adjectives but they are totally different from each other in terms of meaning. ‘Disinterested’ means impartial or neutral to take an advantage. ‘Uninterested’, on the other hand, means unconcerned.