ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indifference

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈdɪfɝəns// UK //ɪndˈɪfɹəns// in·dif·fer·ence

n. a lack of interest or care about something. You feel this when you do not have a strong opinion and do not care what happens.

n. a state of being unconcerned or having no particular interest or sympathy. Often implies a cold or callous lack of emotional investment in a situation.


SIMPLE

He showed total indifference to the news.

CONTEXTUAL

The public's indifference toward the local election resulted in the lowest voter turnout in the city's history.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that the greatest threat to justice is not active hatred, but rather a cold indifference to the suffering of others.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French indifférence, from Late Latin indifferentia. By surface analysis, in- + difference.

Usage

Commonly paired with the preposition 'to' or 'toward' to indicate the object of the lack of interest.

Pitfall

his indifference about the ruleshis indifference to the rulesIndifference is conventionally followed by 'to' or 'toward' rather than 'about'.

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