Indifferent

Pronunciation

Origin

From Old French indifferent, from Latin indifferens

Full definition of indifferent

Adjective

1. Not caring or concerned; uninterested, apathetic.He was indifferent to the proposal, since it didn't affect him, either way.
2. Mediocre, usually used negatively in modern usage.The long distance and the indifferent roads made the journey impossible.The performance of Blue Jays has been 'indifferent this season.
• Sir Walter ScottThe staterooms are in indifferent order.
3. Having no preference or bias, being impartial.''I am indifferent between the two plans.
• Addisonindifferent in his choice to sleep or die
4. Not making a difference; without significance or importance.Even if one appliance consumes an indifferent amount of energy when left on stand-by overnight, together they can represent 10% of the electricity demand of a household.
• ShakespeareDangers are to me indifferent.
• Jeremy TaylorEverything in the world is indifferent but sin.
• Nathaniel HawthorneHis slightest and most indifferent acts ... were odious in the clergyman's sight.
5. (mechanics) Being in the state of neutral equilibrium.

Adverb

1. (obsolete) To some extent, in some degree (intermediate between very and not at all); moderately, tolerably, fairly.The face of the Moon appearing to me to be full of indifferent high mountains...

Usage notes

Now obsolete, but very common c. 1600-1730.