There is often confusion over the words 'disinterested' and 'uninterested'.
Disinterested
Disinterested means 'not taking sides' or
'impartial'. It denotes that there is no personal interest or benefit at stake.
 We are
struggling to identify twelve disinterested people for the jury. 
(twelve impartial people; i.e., with no personal interest)
An
investigation into the penalty decision has reportedly uncovered that the
referee was not disinterested in the outcome of the match.
(the referee had a personal interest in one particular side winning)
Most of
the spectators at the football match were disinterested. (possibly
)
(This is only correct provided the writer means that most the spectators did not
support one side or the other. The match may have been very interesting.)
Uninterested
Uninterested means 'not interested'. It is
the consequence of something being uninteresting (i.e., boring, uneventful or
arousing no interest).
Paul, I am
quickly becoming uninterested in your ideas.
(Paul's ideas arouse no interest.)
I used to
collect stamps, but I am uninterested these days.
(not interested / find it boring)
Select the correct version:
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DO NOT DIS THE REFEREE
This sentence may help you to remember that 'disinterested' means 'impartial':
Do not disrespect the referee. He is disinterested.
impartial/disinterested referee
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Easily Confused Words
