First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
indifferent
adjective in·dif·fer·ent \in-ˈdi-fərnt, -f(ə-)rənt\
: not interested in or concerned about something
: neither good nor bad : not very good
Full Definition of INDIFFERENT
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
See indifferent defined for English-language learners
See indifferent defined for kids
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Examples of INDIFFERENT
- It can hardly be argued, by himself or by his defenders, that he was indifferent to, or unaware of, the true situation. —Christopher Hitchens, Harper's, March 2001
- … aspects of language that the earlier grammarians were indifferent to. —Geoffrey Nunberg, Atlantic, December 1983
- For it is commonly said and commonly believed that science is completely neutral and indifferent as to the ends and values which move men to act … —John Dewey, Freedom and Culture, 1939
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Origin of INDIFFERENT
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
Related to INDIFFERENT
- Synonyms
- apathetic, casual, complacent, disinterested, incurious, insensible, insouciant, nonchalant, perfunctory, pococurante, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested
- Antonyms
- concerned, interested
Synonym Discussion of INDIFFERENT
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>.
INDIFFERENT Defined for Kids
indifferent
adjective in·dif·fer·ent \in-ˈdi-fə-rənt, -ˈdi-frənt\
Definition of INDIFFERENT for Kids
1
: not interested or concerned about something <She's indifferent about your problems.>
2
: neither good nor bad <an indifferent performance>
— in·dif·fer·ent·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
indifferent
adjective in·dif·fer·ent \in-ˈdif-ərnt, -ˈdif-(ə-)rent\
Medical Definition of INDIFFERENT
1
: having or exhibiting a lack of affect, concern, or care
2
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
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