detached

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
dē-
1
: standing by itself : separate, unconnected
especially : not sharing any wall with another building
a house with a detached garage
2
: exhibiting an aloof objectivity usually free from prejudice or self-interest
a detached observer
detachedly
di-ˈta-chəd-lē How to pronounce detached (audio)
dē-
-ˈtacht-lē
adverb
detachedness
di-ˈta-chəd-nəs How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtacht-nəs
dē-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for detached

indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest.

indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice.

indifferent to the dictates of fashion

unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

unconcerned about the homeless

incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness.

incurious about the world

aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.

aloof from his coworkers

detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness.

observed family gatherings with detached amusement

disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias.

judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Examples of detached in a Sentence

The house has a detached garage. a detached observer at company parties, taking it all in and saying very little
Recent Examples on the Web As the weather turned chilly, the couple decided to store a large hammock in the detached garage until spring. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 15 Oct. 2024 Efforts like Black Men Smile seek to dismantle stereotypes that portray Black men as aggressive, emotionally detached, or hyper-masculine. Delano Massey, Axios, 12 Oct. 2024 The property, a short drive from downtown and the Detroit Zoo, has a fenced backyard, mature trees, and a detached garage. The Week Staff, theweek, 1 Oct. 2024 Keep the container in a detached garage or shed, and place it at least 50 feet away from all ignition sources. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detached 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detached.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see detach

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detached was circa 1706

Dictionary Entries Near detached

Cite this Entry

“Detached.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detached. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

detached

adjective
de·​tached di-ˈtacht How to pronounce detached (audio)
1
: not joined or connected : separate
a detached house
2
: aloof entry 2, unconcerned, impartial
a detached attitude
detachedly
-ˈtach-əd-lē How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtach-tlē
adverb
detachedness
-ˈtach-əd-nəs How to pronounce detached (audio)
-ˈtach(t)-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on detached

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