The Real Meaning of the Word Disinterested

[Alex K]

- I ain't got nobody!

- Congrats! Good for you...

[Excited Penguin]

Kids... It's not important whether it's correct, or not. If the meaning evolved you either jump on the train or stay in the station, screaming at people for getting on it.

[Cato]

Kids... It's not important whether it's correct, or not. If the meaning evolved you either jump on the train or stay in the station, screaming at people for getting on it.

This of course ignores the fact that the meaning of the word evolved because of incessant misuse and because of this, dictionaries had to capitulate based on prevalent usage. Your train analogy would be more accurate if you had said the train was hijacked and headed for an unscheduled destination. The people on the platform have every right to scream, but will likely have to get used to it or find a new route based on the former train's unpredictable destination.

[Excited Penguin]

Kids... It's not important whether it's correct, or not. If the meaning evolved you either jump on the train or stay in the station, screaming at people for getting on it.

This of course ignores the fact that the meaning of the word evolved because of incessant misuse and because of this, dictionaries had to capitulate based on prevalent usage. Your train analogy would be more accurate if you had said the train was hijacked and headed for an unscheduled destination. The people on the platform have every right to scream, but will likely have to get used to it or find a new route based on the former train's unpredictable destination.

The train never has a destination. You can't plan language, wiseass.

Every single word you speak evolved like this. There is no perfect word.

[Ashground]

I always assumed it meant indifferent because of common usage. You learn something everyday. Or you bite the teacher's head off, your choice.

[Cato]

The train never has a destination. You can't plan language, wiseass.

Every single word you speak evolved like this. There is no perfect word.

I clearly acknowledged the fact that language evolves. I was simply tidying up your analogy. Seriously, what type of train doesn't have a destination?

[Rhondazvous]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/disinterested

What were you again? Some sort of language expert? Well, you're wrong. Isn't it weird, being that I learned english over the internet and apparently know it better than you do? Maybe you should read some literature to ascertain the real meaning of words.

It means both, by the way, if you didn't get that.

I'm not sure why you had the impression it was used only one certain way. Nevertheless, I'll have you know that language is a tool - it evolves and changes with usage. It's not set in stone, far from it. "Pedants", however, seem to miss the point, as usual.

Gee, you're right. I was wrong. Does this mean I lose my 4 stars? I still have 48 pages of kudos, so can I rest on my laurels?

Wounds healed. Guns still blazing. Because of you, I'm a bit smarter than I was yesterday. Thanks.

So you think you know English better than me? Okay, here's a challenge. Turn the following words into two sentences adding only punctuation. Don't change or rearrange the words.

James where John had had had had had had had had had had had the teacher's approval

[Exian]

¿Jame's; where, Jöhn had had, had (had) had had had...hàd häd hæd had the "teacher's" approval.

Next.

[Rhondazvous]

You have my complete and utter support with this issue. In related news, begging the question does not mean compelling one to ask the question. Frankenstein is the scientist, not the monster. If you "could care less", you do fucking care. Presently means soon, not now. Amen.

(ok, that last one seems to be lost, but still!)

Yes and to remark doesn't mean to mark again.

[robvalue]

So what's the difference between disinterested and uninterested?

I get that these are both different to indifferent, but I can't quite see the difference between them both.