desinteresar
Lemma Details
Translation: to disinterest; to cause to lose interest; to make indifferent
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Formed from the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) + 'interesar' (to interest). The root 'interesar' comes from Latin 'interesse' (to be between, to be important), from 'inter' (between) + 'esse' (to be). The English cognate 'interest' shares this Latin origin, making this a relatively transparent word for English speakers once they understand the 'des-' prefix pattern in Spanish.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Su actitud negativa desinteresó a los estudiantes en el tema.
His negative attitude caused the students to lose interest in the subject.
Es importante desinteresarse de los asuntos que no te conciernen.
It's important to detach yourself from matters that don't concern you.
El juez debe desinteresarse del caso si tiene alguna relación con los acusados.
The judge must recuse himself from the case if he has any relationship with the accused.
Mnemonics
- Think 'des-interest' - to remove interest from someone or something
- Remember that 'des-' in Spanish often works like 'dis-' in English (disinterest)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This verb is often used in contexts of emotional detachment or when discussing someone's loss of enthusiasm for something they previously cared about. It can also appear in business or legal contexts when discussing conflicts of interest.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both start with 'des-', 'desinteresar' means to cause loss of interest, while 'desintoxicar' means to detoxify or cleanse from toxins.
Confused word:
Necesita desintoxicar su cuerpo después de tanto alcohol.
He needs to detoxify his body after so much alcohol.
Notes: The 'des-' prefix in both words indicates removal or reversal, but of different things.
Mnemonic: Desinteresar affects interest; desintoxicar removes toxins.
Explanation: 'Desinteresado' is the past participle of 'desinteresar' but also functions as an adjective meaning 'selfless' or 'disinterested', while 'desinteresar' is the verb form meaning 'to cause to lose interest'.
Confused word:
Es una persona muy desinteresada que siempre ayuda a los demás.
He is a very selfless person who always helps others.
Notes: Interestingly, 'desinteresado' as an adjective often has a positive connotation (selfless), while the verb 'desinteresar' typically has a negative one (causing disinterest).
Mnemonic: Desinteresar is the action; desinteresado is the quality or result.