indifferent
in-DIF-er-unt
/ɪnˈdɪf.ər.ənt/
Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned or neutral.
Implies an objective, detached, or cold absence of preference or care between options.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'indifferens', meaning 'making no distinction' or 'neither good nor bad'. Originally, if something was indifferent, it made no logical difference to you. Over time, it shifted to describe personal apathy.
Word relationships
- unconcerned: Unconcerned means not worried; indifferent implies neutrality or complete disinterest.
- detached: Detached suggests emotional distance, whereas indifferent suggests total lack of caring.
- passionate: Passionate implies deep emotional commitment and feeling.
- caring: Caring shows active warmth and sympathy.
Commonly confused with
- different: Different means not the same; indifferent means not caring or neutral.
Word family
- indifference (noun): Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
- indifferently (adverb): In an unconcerned or neutral manner.
Collocations
- remained indifferent
- indifferent to pain
- indifferent posture
- indifferent attitude
Idioms & expressions
- neither here nor there
Example sentences
- "She was completely indifferent about which restaurant they selected for dinner." Decision making
- "The cold ocean waters remained indifferent to the plight of the stranded sailors." Nature commentary
Memory hook
If options carry no difference to you, you are in-different. Makes no difference to me.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'different' or 'unlike'. It does not mean 'not different'.
Fun facts
- In archaic English, 'indifferent' could also mean 'mediocre' or 'fairly average' (e.g., 'an indifferent performance').
Explore more words
apathetic, neutral, neutrality, aloof, unbiased, inattention
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