indifferent
gb/ɪndˈɪfɹənt/ us/ɪndˈɪfɹənt/
B1
English
~ 3200
közömbös, nem érdekel, közepes, középszerű, mindegy, semleges
B1
1
közömbös
B2
nem érdekel
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is indifferent to [something]
She seemed indifferent to the outcome of the game.
Úgy tűnt, közömbös számára a meccs kimenetele.
He was indifferent to the cold weather and went out without a coat.
Nem törődött a hideg idővel, és kabát nélkül ment ki.
The manager appeared indifferent to the employees’ complaints.
I tried to get her attention, but she remained indifferent.
They are indifferent to politics and rarely vote.
Learner examples
He is indifferent to sports.
Nem érdekli a sport.
She is indifferent to the news.
Nem érdeklik a hírek.
I am indifferent to the food here.
They are indifferent to the noise.
We are indifferent to the weather.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'indifferent' with 'different'. They are unrelated in meaning.
Meaning
Not caring or concerned
Collocations
remain indifferent
|seem indifferent
|indifferent attitude
|indifferent to criticism
Synonyms
uninterested (Suggests a lack of curiosity or engagement; may be due to boredom rather than deliberate neutrality.)
|
apathetic (Implies a deeper emotional detachment or lack of feeling.)
Antonyms
concerned (Implies caring about or feeling worried about something.)
|
interested (Shows active curiosity or engagement.)
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not caring about or interested in something.
Showing no interest, enthusiasm, or concern about something or someone.
B2
2
közepes
A2
középszerű
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is indifferent in quality
The meal was acceptable but rather indifferent.
Az étel elfogadható volt, de elég középszerű.
Her performance in the play was indifferent compared to last year.
A színdarabban nyújtott alakítása a tavalyihoz képest középszerű volt.
The service at that restaurant is usually indifferent.
The book received indifferent reviews from critics.
Learner examples
The movie was indifferent.
A film közepes volt.
The food was indifferent.
Az étel közepes volt.
His work is indifferent this week.
The weather is indifferent today.
Meaning
Of average or poor quality
Collocations
indifferent results
|indifferent performance
|indifferent quality
Synonyms
mediocre (Directly implies average or below-average quality.)
|
so-so (Informal way of saying average quality.)
Antonyms
excellent (Significantly above average in quality.)
|
outstanding (Exceptional and impressive in quality.)
Themes
evaluation
|arts
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not good and not bad; just okay.
Neither very good nor very bad; mediocre in quality or performance.
B2
3
Usage pattern:
[someone] is indifferent between [option1] and [option2]
I’m indifferent between tea and coffee in the morning.
Reggel nekem mindegy, hogy teát vagy kávét iszom.
She remained indifferent in the dispute between her friends.
Semleges maradt a barátai közötti vitában.
He’s indifferent about which restaurant we choose.
Learner examples
I am indifferent between pizza and pasta.
Nekem mindegy, hogy pizzát vagy tésztát eszünk.
She is indifferent about the game we play.
Neki mindegy, milyen játékot játszunk.
He is indifferent about where we go.
Meaning
Having no preference between options
Collocations
indifferent between two options
|remain indifferent in choice
Synonyms
neutral (Not supporting any side in a conflict or choice.)
|
unbiased (Free from personal preference or prejudice.)
Antonyms
partial (Showing preference toward one side or option.)
|
biased (Having an unfair preference for one option over another.)
Themes
decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not liking one thing more than another.
Not favoring one choice over another; impartial or neutral in attitude.
Grammar
Dictionary form
indifferent
IPA
GB/ɪndˈɪfɹənt/
US/ɪndˈɪfɹənt/
Syllables & stress
in - dif - fer - ent (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (dif)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: indifferent
Word family
Core family
indifference
noun B2
indifferently
adverb
Expressions
be indifferent to
1/bˈi ɪndˈɪfɹənt tə/
fixed phrase
Not care about something
To not care about something or someone.
Examples
- He is indifferent to other people’s opinions.
- She seemed indifferent to the criticism from her boss.
with indifferent grace
1/wˈɪθ ɪndˈɪfɹənt ɡɹˈeɪs/
fixed phrase
literary
Elegantly but without caring much
Done in a beautiful way but without much feeling or interest.
Examples
- She danced with indifferent grace, as if the contest meant nothing to her.
- He played the piano with indifferent grace, barely looking at the keys.