indifferent

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Etymology tree

Proto-Indo-European *né

Proto-Indo-European *n̥-

Proto-Italic *n̥-

Latin in-

Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁

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Proto-Indo-European *trísinflu.

Proto-Indo-European *d(w)is-

Proto-Italic *dis-

Latin dis-

Proto-Indo-European *bʰer-

Proto-Indo-European *-eti

Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti

Proto-Italic *ferō

Latin ferō

Latin differō

Latin differēns

Latin indifferēns

Old French indifferent

English indifferent

From Old French indifferent, from Latin indifferens. By surface analysis, in- + different.

Ambivalent; unconcerned; uninterested, apathetic. He was indifferent to the proposal, since it didn’t affect him, either way.
Indicating or reflecting a lack of concern or care. She responded with an indifferent shrug.
Mediocre (usually used negatively in modern usage). The long distance and the indifferent roads made the journey impossible.
Having no preference. I am indifferent between the two plans.
dated Unbiased, impartial, judging fairly. On October 7, 1640, the Massachusetts General Court attempted to solve the problem by a law stating that property seized for debts was to be assessed "at such prizes [prices] as the same shalbee valewed [shall be valued] at by 3 understanding and indifferent men, to bee chosen, the one by the credit
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.
Being in the state of neutral equilibrium.
obsolete Not different; matching. […] let their heads be sleekly comb’d, their blue coats brush’d and their garters of an indifferent knit

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.
obsolete Without distinction or preference for some over others. Newton. My Maſters, you that be the chiefeſt of the rout, The King intreats you kindly here by me, To come and ſpeake with him a word or two. Iacke Straw. Sirra, if the King would any thinge with vs, Tell him the way is indifferent to meete vs. Newton. You are too many to be talkt with all, […]