indifferent

/ˌɪn.dɪˈfɛr.ənt/
adjectiveIntermediate
formalinformal

showing no interest, concern, or sympathy

He was indifferent to the outcome of the game.

He didn't care whether his team won or lost.

The teacher's indifferent attitude frustrated the students.

The teacher's lack of enthusiasm or concern upset the students.

💡

Can imply either neutrality or apathy, depending on context.

Collocations

remain indifferentto stay unconcernedshow indifferenceto display a lack of concern

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

take an indifferent attitudephrase
to be unconcerned

💡Pro Tip

Context matters

Indifferent can mean either neutral or apathetic. Pay attention to the tone of the sentence.

Gold Rule

Avoid negative connotations

If you mean neutral rather than apathetic, consider alternatives like 'unbiased' or 'neutral'.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'indifferens', from 'in-' (not) + 'differens' (differing). First recorded in English in the 15th century.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used to describe a neutral stance or a lack of emotional response. The tone may vary from neutral to negative depending on context.

Word Breakdown

in-
not
prefix
+
different
distinct
root
+
-ent
having the quality of
suffix
English Dictionary