disinterested
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From dis- + interested.
Pronunciation [edit]
Adjective [edit]
disinterested (comparative more disinterested, superlative most disinterested)
- Having no stake or interest in the outcome; free of bias, impartial. [from 17th c.]
- 1791, James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson:
- Sir, you have a right to that kind of respect, and are arguing for yourself. I am supporting the principle, and am disinterested in doing it, as I have no such right.
- 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, ch. 1:
- With his disinterested passion for art, he had a real desire to call the attention of the wise to a talent which was in the highest degree original; [...]
- 2011, Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of Our Nature, Penguin 2012, p. 220:
- People are better off abjuring violence, if everyone else agrees to do so, and vesting authority in a disinterested third party.
- 1791, James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson:
- Uninterested, lacking interest. [from 17th c.]
- 1684, Contempl. State of Man I. x
- How dis-interested are they in all Worldly matters, since they fling their Wealth and Riches into the Sea.
- 1936, Djuna Barnes, Nightwood, Faber & Faber 2007, p. 43:
- Robin took to wandering again, to intermittent travel from which she came back hours, days later, disinterested.
- 1967, Tommy Frazer, The Sun (Baltimore), "A 'Doctor' Of Karate", March 27
- Those spotted are usually taught so slowly that they grow disinterested and quit.
- 1684, Contempl. State of Man I. x
Translations [edit]
having no stake in the outcome
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lacking interest
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