Do you know that “indifferent” is among the main causes of business and relationships ending? It is due to both parties not caring what their partners do or contribute. Interestingly, there are several applications of this word; so what is the indifferent definition, meaning, and how do you use this word correctly?
“Indifferent” (adjective): The lack of interest or concern. Use the word in place of “apathetic” in your sentence and speeches. Ensure that the statement means that the person does not show any concern in either care or attitude when using the word.
“Indifferent” discusses not only couples who no longer matter to each other but also anything that people do not like or have refused to pay heed to. Read on if you still want to learn more about the word “indifferent,” the various ways to use it in your sentences, its origin, spelling, and pronunciation.
What Is the Definition of Indifferent?
“Indifferent (adjective): Being neither good nor bad. The word can mean mediocre or being neither good nor bad. Some people are neither moral nor evil.
Example sentences:
- It does not matter how well, bad, or indifferent my father is; I will always love him.
- I knew he would not win the competition due to his indifferent singing voice; it is not the kind of voice that stands out.
- The services they offer are indifferent; they will need to improve to attract more clients.
What Is the Meaning of Indifferent?
“Indifferent” (adjective): Does not matter in one way or another. Some situations or decisions in life make little to no impact, and thus they are “indifferent.”
Example sentences:
- It is indifferent no matter the shoes you choose to wear today.
- Why you are late to class is indifferent, and you will have to get punished.
- It is indifferent whether you choose to bury or cremate your grandmother.
Synonyms and Antonyms of Indifferent
Some words have a very close meaning to “indifferent” or even the opposite. Knowing such words ensures that you have numerous alternative words to use. Check them out below:
Synonyms
- Detached
- Apathetic
- Disinterested
- Indifferent
- Incurious
- Aloof
- Distant
- Cold
- Mediocre
- Inferior
Antonyms
- Caring
- Keen
- Friendly
- Devoted
- Likable
- Elite
- Choice
- Astute
- Welcoming
- Fine
- Careful
Words with the Same Sound as “Indifferent”
Do you want to know words that have the same sound as indifferent? Here is a list of some of the words you might be searching for.
- Different
- Incoherent
- Inherent
- Coherent
- Adherent
- Titrant
- Settlement
- Retirement
- Experiment
- Intelligent
What Is the Difference between Indifferent and Different?
The assumption most people have the first time they come across the word “indifferent” is that it is the opposite of different. However, that is not the case as these two words have different meanings and definitions, as highlighted below.
As adjectives: Indifferent means not caring or concerned; it can also mean apathetic or uninterested. On the other hand, different means “not the same.”
As adverbs and nouns: The word indifferent means obsolete, to some extent or some degree; it is also the difference between very and not at all. As a noun, different mostly applies in mathematics, meaning a different idea.
How to Use Indifferent in a Sentence
Before you use the word “indifferent” in your sentences, note that this is a word that has more than one meaning which can be confusing. The word can mean “unbiased, apathetic, mediocre, and many more.” So, when using it to communicate, ensure you accompany the word with information that will make it easy for the reader to understand.
Indifferent Use in Different Contexts
- In chemistry: “Indifferent” in chemistry means not being active or being neutral. Use the word when mixing two products, and there is no chemical reaction.
- In biology: “Indifferent” in biology means undifferentiated. The word mostly refers to tissues, cells, or species.
Word Forms of the Word indifferent
Some words have more than one-word form as part of speech; an example is “indifferent.” Here is a look at the different forms.
Indifference (noun): It means being unbiased impartially, lacking enthusiasm, or unconcerned nonchalance.
Example sentences:
- The one thing I found concerning in the meeting was the indifference that our C.E.O. had to any point stakeholders made.
- Most people greeted the self-proclaimed prophet with indifference.
- Maxwell has always treated Stephen with indifference, and that is why he avoids visiting him at home.
Indifferently (adverb): In a different manner.
Example sentences:
- The bride acted arrogant and indifferent, making it difficult for the vendors to deal with her.
- They indifferently accepted the new policy in the office without raising any issues.
- My mother always insisted that it was better to do a few things well than do everything indifferently.
10 Examples of Indifferent in a Sentence
Read sentences with the word “indifferent” below to understand the word and how it is used in various contexts. Read on!
- You need to vote to stop being indifferent to what is happening.
- The manager found it hard dealing with an office full of indifferent workers.
- Sharon did not like the restaurant since the food was indifferent and had poor service.
- She was indifferent to the pain and suffering that her neighbor was going through.
- Caroline was strong and active but indifferent to consequences.
- The village was hostile or, at best, indifferent.
- The visitor was indifferent to the subject we were discussing.
- The news anchor seemed indifferent about what she was reporting
- There was some indifferent nervous energy which made teamwork hectic.
- The administration seemed indifferent to data, a great way to earn a competitive edge.
How Do You Spell Indifferent?
The correct spelling of “indifferent” is “I.N.D.I.F.F.E. R.E.N.T.”
People make mistakes when writing the word by assuming it is a two-word phrase and writing it as “in different,” but that is wrong. Take note of the correct spelling when writing the word.
How Do You Pronounce Indifferent?
The correct way to pronounce “indifferent” is “uhn·di·fuh·ruhnt.”
A key factor to note when learning English is that proper pronunciation of words is vital in oral communication. After learning the meaning and definition of a word, you also need to find out the correct way of speaking it.
How Many Syllables Are In Indifferent?
The word “indifferent” has four syllables divided as “in.dif.fer.ent.” The syllable “dif” is the stress syllable.
The four syllables are divided based on the present vowels. It is vital to take your time to learn the number of syllables in a word and how they are divided, as it will help you better remember the spelling and understand the pronunciation with ease.
History & Etymology Of indifferent
The word “indifferent” is from the Latin word “indifferentia,” which means “neither good nor evil.” Later, the Old French borrowed the word and used it as “indifferent.” which means impartial. In the 14th century, the English language introduced the word and used it as “indifferent.” They also retained the original meaning of the word.
When Was Indifferent First Used?
The first record of the word “indifferent” was in the 14th century, and its meaning was unbiased or marked by impartiality.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the meaning of the word “indifferent,” it is important to learn to practice the word in your writing and speeches. Make sure that you have fully understood the meaning and definition of the word before using it daily. If you have any comments, suggestions, or anything you would like to share about the word, share them with us as we continue to improve our readers’ vocabulary.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.