disinterested, uninterested. 'Gerulaitis, after appearing almost disinterested in the first set, took a 5–1 lead in the second' {The New York Times}. A participant in a tennis match might appear uninterested, but he would be unlikely to be disinterested, which means neutral and impartial. A disinterested person is one who has no stake in the outcome of an event; an uninterested person is one who doesn't care. As with DISCOMFIT and DISCOMFORT {see above}, the distinction is a useful one and well worth fighting for.
In a recent tennis match, Gerulaitis seemed somewhat disengaged during the first set but quickly gained momentum, leading 5–1 in the second set. This observation highlights the difference between appearing uninterested and being disinterested. A player may look uninterested, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm, but being disinterested implies having no personal stakes or biased interests in the match's outcome. The distinction between these two terms is significant. Disinterested refers to someone who is neutral and impartial, while uninterested indicates a lack of concern or care. Understanding this difference, akin to the nuanced meanings of discomfit and discomfort, is important for clear communication and deeper comprehension in various contexts.
In a recent tennis match, Gerulaitis seemed somewhat disengaged during the first set but quickly gained momentum, leading 5–1 in the second set. This observation highlights the difference between appearing uninterested and being disinterested. A player may look uninterested, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm, but being disinterested implies having no personal stakes or biased interests in the match's outcome.
The distinction between these two terms is significant. Disinterested refers to someone who is neutral and impartial, while uninterested indicates a lack of concern or care. Understanding this difference, akin to the nuanced meanings of discomfit and discomfort, is important for clear communication and deeper comprehension in various contexts.
