DISINTERESTED

disinterested

(adjective) unaffected by self-interest

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

disinterested (comparative more disinterested, superlative most disinterested)

Having no stake or interest in the outcome; free of bias, impartial. [from 17th c.]

Uninterested, lacking interest. [from 17th c.]

Usage notes

• The correctness of the use of this word with the meaning uninterested is disputed. Some reference works consider it acceptable, while others do not. The OED specifies that this is "Often regarded as a loose use." According to Macmillan Dictionary, "Many people think that this use of the word is not correct".

Source: Wiktionary


Dis*in"ter*est*ed, a. Etym: [Cf. Disinteressed.]

Definition: Not influenced by regard to personal interest or advantage; free from selfish motive; having no relation of interest or feeling; not biased or prejudiced; as, a disinterested decision or judge. The happiness of disinterested sacrifices. Channing.

Syn.

– Unbiased; impartial; uninterested; indifferent.

DISINTEREST

Dis*in"ter*est, p. a.

Definition: Disinterested. [Obs.] The measures they shall walk by shall be disinterest and even. Jer. Taylor.

Dis*in"ter*est, n.

1. What is contrary to interest or advantage; disadvantage. [Obs.] Glanvill.

2. Indifference to profit; want of regard to private advantage; disinterestedness. [Obs.] Johnson.

Dis*in"ter*est, v. t.

Definition: To divest of interest or interested motives. [Obs.] Feltham.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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