Nathan Exposed » Wednesday Words: Disinterested or Uninterested

Wednesday Words: Disinterested or Uninterested

Today’s feature comes from a recommendation by Thom. Sometimes two similar versions of a word can have very different meanings. Disinterested and uninterested are the examples.

At first glance, it doesn’t seem like it would matter which you used. Let’s say you were talking about a political candidate. You might say you were “disinterested” or “uninterested” in who wins. In theory, you’re just saying you don’t really care. I think that’s the way people would perceive it.

Actually, however, it matters quite a bit. If you are “disinterested”, then you are neutral and unbiased. You feel equally about each candidate, you do not like or dislike either person more, and you would be satisfied with either winner. If you are “uninterested”, then you do not care at all. As far as you’re concerned, the election does not exist, you don’t want to know anything.

To give another example, let’s say a candidate had an opinion about gay marriage. If he were disinterested, he might grant equal rights because he is completely unbiased. However, if he were uninterested, it would mean he doesn’t care about the issue and probably won’t do anything about it. In that case, it would be better to have someone who is disinterested rather than uninterested.