indiferir
Lemma Details
Translation: to be indifferent; to not differ; to remain neutral
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'indifferens' (not different, neutral), composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'differens' (differing, different). Related to the English words 'indifferent' and 'differ'. The verb form in Spanish evolved to express the state of being neutral or showing no preference between options.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 70%
Register: formal
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in-differ' - someone who doesn't differ in their opinion about options.
- Connect it to English 'indifferent' - the verb form of showing no preference.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This verb is less common in everyday Spanish conversation, with speakers typically preferring phrases like 'ser indiferente' or 'dar igual' to express indifference. It appears more frequently in formal or literary contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'indiferir' means 'to be indifferent' or 'to not differ', 'diferir' means 'to differ' or 'to postpone'. They are essentially opposites in one sense.
Notes: The verb 'indiferir' is much less common than the adjective 'indiferente' or the phrase 'ser indiferente'.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'in-' often negates: 'indiferir' is about NOT showing difference (indifference), while 'diferir' is about showing difference.
Explanation: 'Indiferir' means to be indifferent, while 'inferir' means to infer or deduce something.
Confused word:
De sus palabras puedo inferir que está molesto.
From his words I can infer that he is upset.
Notes: The spelling is similar but the meanings are completely unrelated.
Mnemonic: 'Inferir' has to do with making conclusions (like English 'infer'), while 'indiferir' has to do with not caring about differences.