The Real Meaning of the Word Disinterested

[Excited Penguin]

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.

Dude, there's google for learning that. Don't ask paranoid purists.

[robvalue]

Thanks for that.

I thought it would be interesting conversation.

[Rhondazvous]

When dictionaries capitulate to popular ignorance about a word, that's not evolution. That's devolution. The more meanings a word has, the less meaningful it actually is as far as its ability to communicate with precision.

American English is a bastard language, but it is our language here in the states. I may get on the train or I may stay on the platform. As long as I don't get on the tracks, I'll be safe.

[Little lunch]

I think to find something intriguing is always beneficial or else it wouldn't be intriguing.
I think it would be impossible to be interested and disinterested at the same time, although I believe it would be possible to be uninterested and disinterested at the same time.

[abaris]

Disinterested means when someone has nothing to gain from something, to have no interest in it.

Well, you never learn. English isn't my first language anyway and so I usually go with the less ambiguous I don't give a shit. Or one or two for that matter. I also freely admit to look up certain words on the internet if I'm not sure how to spell them. Ambiguous being one of them. I would have missed out on the first U if I hadn't looked.

[rexbeccarox]

Forgive me folks, but I have a degree in English and used to teach basic writing to undergrads and I am really and truly tired of seeing otherwise intelligent people misuse this word.

I often see the word disinterested used when what the person means is indifferent. Disinterested means when someone has nothing to gain from something, to have no interest in it. It has nothing to do with whether he finds the thing interesting. Interest here is used in a totally different way. If a situation or decision does not  affect me personally then I'm disinterested, even if I find the situation most intriguing. On the other hand, I could find the situation quite boring, but if I stand to gain financially or in some other way then I'm not disinterested.

Please, if you love me, don't offend my sensibilities by abusing this word.

Teachers: fearless warriors in the never-ending battle against ignorance, spitballs and dangling participles.

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.

Dude. Why are you such a dick? Seriously, why can't you just speak to people nicely? Why does every interaction have to be nasty with you?

[Excited Penguin]

Seriously, rexbecca? Maybe you should check the condescending OP again. People have no right to point fingers when they have no idea what the hell they're talking about.

---

When dictionaries capitulate to  popular ignorance about a word, that's not evolution. That's devolution. The more meanings a word has, the less meaningful it actually is as far as its ability to communicate with precision.

American English is a bastard language, but it is our language here in the states. I may get on the train or I may stay on the platform. As long as I don't get on the tracks, I'll be safe.

Maybe you should keep your uneducated guesses about linguistics to yourself, there, "professor".

That's it. A whole new level of mediocrity has just been achieved. I can't argue in this thread anymore. Keep your shallow opinions, I don't need to change them if you won't listen to plain reason.

[rexbeccarox]

Seriously, rexbecca? Maybe you should check the condescending OP again. People have no right to point fingers when they have no idea what the hell they're talking about.

Actually, people have every right to do that- we practice free expression here. And also, you should take your own advice. You give a ton of it, but you never seem to practice what you preach. Talk about pointing fingers.

Again, why does every interaction you have here have to be nasty? Why can't you engage with people politely? Believe me, you'd have a nicer time here.

[Excited Penguin]

Seriously, rexbecca? Maybe you should check the condescending OP again. People have no right to point fingers when they have no idea what the hell they're talking about.

Actually, people have every right to do that- we practice free expression here. And also, you should take your own advice. You give a ton of it, but you never seem to practice what you preach. Talk about pointing fingers.

Again, why does every interaction you have here have to be nasty? Why can't you engage with people politely? Believe me, you'd have a nicer time here.

Well there we have it. Stupidity has no limits. When you understand an expression or a particular word only one given way, whichever pleases your damn bias against me, there's simply no arguing.

I didn't mean to take away free speech. You're as unintelligent as they come, apparently.

[rexbeccarox]

Really?

You know, people have really tried with you. What's the point of you being here if you're just going to insult and antagonize everyone until oblivion is your final resting place? You're eventually going to be banned if you continue to troll and flame... why spend all of this energy on being mean?