disinterested

/dɪˈsɪnt(ə)ɹɛstɪd/

Group 24Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Not influenced by considerations of personal advantage; impartial
GRE

Example in Context

The dispute was submitted to a disinterested third party whose ruling both sides agreed in advance to accept as binding.

Synonyms

neutralimpartialunbiased

Etymology

Having no personal stake or concern in something.

  • dis- (Latin) — apart
  • interest (Latin) — concern

Memory Aid

🤷Sounds like “this interest

If you say ‘THIS INTEREST’ in my affairs, you’re DISINTERESTED, not caring at all!

Visual Association

👀A judge yawning in a courtroom, clearly uninterested in the case being presented.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “disinterested” mean on the GRE?

disinterested (adjective) means “Not influenced by considerations of personal advantage; impartial”. The dispute was submitted to a disinterested third party whose ruling both sides agreed in advance to accept as binding.

How to remember “disinterested” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “disinterested” sounds like “this interest”. If you say ‘THIS INTEREST’ in my affairs, you’re DISINTERESTED, not caring at all!

What are synonyms for “disinterested”?

Common synonyms: neutral, impartial, unbiased.