In*dif"fer*ence (?), n. [L.
indifferentia similarity, want of difference: cf. F.
indifférence.]
1. The quality or state of being indifferent,
or not making a difference; want of sufficient importance to
constitute a difference; absence of weight; insignificance.
2. Passableness; mediocrity.
3. Impartiality; freedom from prejudice,
prepossession, or bias.
He . . . is far from such indifference and
equity as ought and must be in judges which he saith I
assign.
Sir T. More.
4. Absence of anxiety or interest in respect
to what is presented to the mind; unconcernedness; as, entire
indifference to all that occurs.
Indifference can not but be criminal, when it
is conversant about objects which are so far from being of an
indifferent nature, that they are highest importance.
Addison.
Syn. -- Carelessness; negligence; unconcern; apathy;
insensibility; coldness; lukewarmness.
