indifference
/in'difrəns/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The teacher's indifference to the student's excuse was clear from her calm expression.
Definition
Noun: 1. Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy: A state of not caring about or being interested in something or someone. 2. Neutrality; lack of bias: An impartial or unbiased attitude, not favoring one side over another. 3. Unimportance: The quality of not mattering or being significant.
Usage
Indifference describes an emotional or mental state of detachment. It can be a personal trait (a general lack of enthusiasm) or a specific reaction to a situation (showing no concern). It can also describe an objective, unbiased position or the trivial nature of something.
Examples
- Lack of interest/concern:
- He viewed the political debate with complete indifference.
- Her indifference to the suffering of others was shocking.
- Public indifference to the environmental crisis is a major problem.
- Neutrality; lack of bias:
- The judge must maintain an attitude of indifference toward both parties.
- The mediator's indifference ensured a fair negotiation.
- Unimportance:
- The color of the packaging is a matter of total indifference to me.
- Whether we go today or tomorrow is of no great indifference.
Advanced Usage
- Sublime indifference: An extreme, almost philosophical state of detachment or unconcern.
- He faced the chaos around him with a sublime indifference.
- Benign indifference: A lack of concern that is not harmful or malicious.
- The universe's benign indifference to human affairs is a common theme in literature.
Variants and Related Words
- Indifferent (adjective): Having or showing no interest, sympathy, or concern; neither good nor bad.
- She was indifferent to his compliments. The food was of indifferent quality.
- Indifferently (adverb): In an indifferent manner.
- He shrugged indifferently.
Synonyms
- Apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern (often implies a listless or sluggish state).
- Unconcern: Absence of worry or anxiety.
- Detachment: Emotional disconnection or aloofness.
- Nonchalance: Casual lack of concern, appearing relaxed and calm.
- Impassivity: The quality of not feeling or showing emotion.
Antonyms
- Interest
- Concern
- Care
- Enthusiasm
- Passion
Idioms and Phrases
- A matter of indifference: Something that is unimportant or of no concern.
- The specific details are a matter of indifference; just get the job done.
- Treat with indifference: To ignore or show no care toward someone or something.
- The proposal was treated with indifference by the committee.
The teacher's indifference to the student's excuse was clear from her calm expression.
Noun
- the trait of remaining calm and seeming not to care; a casual lack of concern
- the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally
- apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
- unbiased impartial unconcern