indifferent
UK: ɪnˈdɪf(ə)rənt | US: ɪnˈdɪfərənt
adj. having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned
adj. neither good nor bad; mediocre
adj. impartial or unbiased
indifferent = in<not> + differ<distinguish> + ent<adjective suffix>
- in-: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- differ: Root meaning "to distinguish" or "to carry apart" (from Latin differre, combining dis- "apart" + ferre "to carry").
- -ent: Adjective-forming suffix indicating a state or quality (from Latin -entem).
Etymology Origin:
The word "indifferent" originated in Late Middle English via Old French from Latin indifferens, combining in- (negation) + differens (present participle of differre). Originally, it meant "not making a difference" or "impartial." Over time, it evolved to imply neutrality, lack of preference, or mediocrity, reflecting a shift from active impartiality to passive disinterest.
She was indifferent to his apologies, showing no emotion.
The food was indifferent—neither terrible nor memorable.
As a judge, he remained indifferent to public opinion.
His indifferent attitude toward school worried his parents.
The team's performance was indifferent, failing to impress the critics.