Words / C1

dis-INTR-uh-stid/dɪsˈɪntrəstɪd/

Disinterested means impartial, not personally involved in the outcome: a disinterested observer. Uninterested means bored — the classic exam-board trap. Impartial is the close twin; biased sits opposite. A fair marker still has to record the n; boredom is a different complaint.

Meaning

Not influenced by personal advantage; impartial (not the same as uninterested).

Examples

• “A disinterested marker still records the n; boredom is a different word.”
• “Impartial is the close twin. Neutral is a cousin. Uninterested is the lookalike you must not mix. Fairness is a stance. Counting is a duty. Stay impartial; still fill the cell.”

Good to know

Impartial; not personally involved. Trap: uninterested = bored. Close: impartial. Impartiality ≠ skipping the n.

Near in meaning

impartial

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