Confusable pair · C1
Disinterested or uninterested?
Disinterested means impartial: having nothing to gain either way. Uninterested means bored: not caring. A disinterested referee is exactly what you want; an uninterested referee is a problem. The distinction is worth keeping because there is no other single word for impartial.
Which word, and why
- disinterested
impartial — nothing to gain either way
Not influenced by personal advantage.
a disinterested observer · disinterested advice
- uninterested
bored — does not care
Not interested; indifferent.
uninterested in politics · completely uninterested
Now use it
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What the dispute needs is a third party with no stake in the outcome.