adjective

indifferent

in-DIF-ruhnt/ɪnˈdɪfrənt/

Not caring about something or which option is chosen.

The adult remains indifferent to the choice between the two sweaters.

A Latino adult shrugs with neutral disinterest while a friend offers two different sweaters, no preference.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+differLatindiffer, set apart

+entLatinpresent-participle ending

Literally “not differing,” indifferent described someone who did not prefer one option over another. That impartial stance extended to having no interest or concern.

In context

Storytime Haven51:51

She made a slight indifferent gesture. "Yes, but it does not matter. Mother is dead, and my father does not care for me."

🌑 The Moon Rock 🌒 | A Haunting Tale of Mystery and Ambition by Arthur J. Rees

More examples

He loves basketball, but his sister is indifferent to it.
The manager seems indifferent to our complaints.
I'm indifferent about the color, so you can pick.

Forms

indifferent

indifference noun — A lack of interest, concern, or preference.

indifferently adverb — Without showing interest, concern, or preference.

Similar words

uninterested: Emphasizes lacking interest rather than having no preference.
unconcerned: Emphasizes not worrying rather than not caring which option wins.
apathetic: Suggests a stronger lack of feeling, interest, or motivation.