The two adjectival words with dis- unprefixes, “disinterested” and “uninterested” have seemingly been misapplied or confused altogether by several writers who could hardly separate the two. The misrepresentation of the adjectives, “disinterested” and “uninterested” had robbed it of the correct interpretation and context either of the two could be used to send the right message.
The confusion lingers, prompting the question, can the writer or speaker of the language identify separately the two vocabularies with the dis- un- prefixes; “disinterested” and “uninterested?” There are growing concerns about the rightful application of the words, especially among the rank of English enthusiasts, who have expressed their worries that if nothing is done to arrest the situation, the abnormality becomes the normal.
The bastardisation of the language spoken by billions of people across the globe starts like this, and if not checked, time would come when the rules or grand norms binding its usage may be tossed to the waste bin. And the English masters and purists, in one chorus, say, ‘God forbids’ that they would ever allow the Queen’s English suffer in the hands of charlatans who would stop at nothing to compromise, or reduce the language to unacceptable level.
They have vowed to keep on correcting the misnomer in the English vocabulary that pops up now and then, and ensure the spoken or written word maintains the original form and not watered down to suit the ego of the non-conformists. Down to the misuse of the adjectives, “disinterested” and “uninterested” as close as they look, but mean different things. Certainly, it would take one with the proverbial eagle’s eyes to discern or distinguish the two identical twins, only separated by the prefixes, dis- un- making them vulnerable or soft targets to the learners of the language, in particular.
Following the instructions of the dictionary; Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, to be specific, the phrase, “disinterested” used to mean the same as “uninterested” but developed separate meaning with time. Mind you, the language is not statics, it keeps evolving. The two words therefore, relate to different senses of interest, the reference book, emphasises. The difference can be seen in the following expressions and examples as detailed by the dictionary, “He claimed that he had been a disinterested spectator in the affair.”In order words, the individual is not involved in the quarrel between the husband and wife. He or she remains impartial, or refuses to take sides. In the same vein, “Mary left most of her meal, and uninterested in any conversation.
She attempted not to be in it.” That summarises the correct engagement of the adjective, “uninterested.” Again, the context of usage determines whether to use the word, “disinterested” or “uninterested,” as the occasion may demand or dictates. Accordingly, the language specialists insist that the adjective, “disinterested” is not usually followed by the preposition ‘in,’ although “uninterested” often is.
Compare the sentence, “Samuel claimed that he had been a disinterested spectator or watcher of the disagreement between Emmanuel and Jane.” And “John abandoned his food, and uninterested in any conversation between the two friends, Bassey and James.” Be conversant with these expressions, use them appropriately to avoid misinforming the public, and the message lost.
