disinterest

Part of Speech: Noun, Verb

Pronunciation: /dɪsˈɪntrəst/, /ˌdɪsɪnˈtɪərɪst/

Definitions

• Noun: Lack of interest or concern.
• Verb: To cause to lose interest or indifference.

Usage Examples

• Noun: The audience's disinterest in the lecture was evident.
• Verb: The lengthy explanation disinterested the attendees.
• Noun: His disinterest in politics kept him out of debates.

Etymology

Derived from Latin dis- (apart) + interest (concern), first recorded in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Apathy
• Indifference
• Unconcern
• Detachment
• Dispassion

Antonyms

• Interest
• Enthusiasm
• Curiosity
• Engagement
• Involvement

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪsˈɪntrəst/
• American English: /ˌdɪsɪnˈtɪərɪst/

Historical Usage

The term was widely used in philosophical discussions in the 18th and 19th centuries to denote impartiality or lack of bias.

Cultural Nuances

Disinterest often carries connotations of objectivity and fairness in legal or political contexts, distinct from apathy.

More Information

Disinterest is an important concept in philosophy and ethics, especially in discussions regarding justice, fairness, and neutrality.