GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is proofreading an essay and encounters a sentence with a commonly confused word. Which sentence correctly uses 'disinterested' or 'uninterested'?
- AThe disinterested student paid no attention to the lecture.
- BA truly uninterested party can provide an unbiased opinion.
- CThe judge, being disinterested, was able to make a fair ruling.
- DShe was uninterested in the outcome of the competition.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The judge, being disinterested, was able to make a fair ruling.
'Disinterested' means impartial or unbiased, not influenced by personal feelings or considerations. 'Uninterested' means not interested or bored. In option B, a judge needs to be impartial to be fair.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Disinterested' is incorrectly used here; it should be 'uninterested' as the student was bored or lacked interest.
- B. 'Uninterested' is incorrectly used here; it should be 'disinterested' as an unbiased party is required.
- D. This sentence correctly uses 'uninterested' to mean not interested or bored.
Disinterested vs. Uninterested
'Disinterested' means impartial, unbiased, or having no personal stake in a matter. 'Uninterested' means not interested, bored, or indifferent.
- Disinterested: impartial, unbiased.
- Uninterested: bored, not curious.
- Subtle but important distinction.
Memory trick: Disinterested is fair (like a judge); uninterested is bored (like a sleepy student).