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by w4 3890 days ago
> You mean 'uninterested,' not 'disinterested.'

Uninterested may have been better, but disinterested works fine - see the usage notes (desktop only for some reason): http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/disinterested

1 comments

Popular incorrect use of a word doesn't make it acceptable usage, especially when it occludes an important distinction.
That depends. The Oxford English Dictionary would agree with you. They are an "authoritative" dictionary that tells the reader what is right and what isn't. However, Webster's wouldn't. They document the common usage.

It's a matter of philosophy. In any case, the common usage will always win. People don't consult the OED when talking, or even writing blogs. So language changes.

Did you know that even the OED now includes the awful non-literal meaning of "literally"? Oh the horror ...