disinterested (2009-09-11)

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: [dis-'in-tre-stid or dis-'in-trê-stid]

Definition: Unbiased, objective, having no vested interest in; indifferent, lacking interest in.

Usage: Here is a conversation many of us can identify with, demonstrating the distinct sense of today's word: "I'm not interested in any of my classes in school today, mom; can I stay home?" "No, you have to learn all you subjects even if you are uninterested in some." "Mom, you just want me out of the house; you're hardly a disinterested party."

Suggested Usage: Oddly enough, "not interested" (i.e. "uninterested) is the oldest meaning of today's word, dating back to the 17th century. In the 18th century that meaning was slowly replaced by the meaning above but in the early part of the 20th century, it began to creep back into usage. Most dictionaries now accept both meanings; however, since we have two words and two meanings, why not enjoy the semantic difference they provide? The verb, "to disinterest," means to "free of self-interest, to make indifferent."

Etymology: From Old French, derived from Latin interest "it is of importance," the 3rd singular present tense of interesse "to be between" and, later, "to be important." This word consists of inter "between" + esse "to be." Not only does English "essence" derive from the latter Latin word, but "yes" comes from one of its English variants (related to "is"). "Si" in French and Spanish are also diversions from their words meaning "to be." At the same time, "swastika" comes from Sanskrit svasti "well-being," based on su (= sv) "good" + asti "being," the latter also a descendant of the same root.