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 Younger employees are feeling significantly more detached from their jobs and their employers—in fact, everyone is, except for Boomers, who are more engaged than ever. Jane Thier, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 The sale of the detached house in the 5300 block of Thomas Ave., Oakland, has been finalized. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 The sparse vulnerability of the production quickly exposes any imperfections, and some of the material feels more detached than determined. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 The two-story craftsman-style home with a detached garage is close to the Monon, Bottleworks and Mass Ave and is listed for $510,000. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Feb. 2024 The movie theater flaunts a fiberoptic starry sky, akin to a new Rolls Royce, and at the far rear of the lot lies a detached guesthouse. James McClain, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023 Court documents stated the main injuries that caused the boy's death was a laceration to his liver and a detached bowel that both created fatal internal bleeding. The Arizona Republic, 13 Feb. 2024 The sale of the detached house in the 900 block of Terra Bella Ave., San Jose, has been finalized. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024 By the mid 20th century, the sculpture’s importance had been established as a bridge between the detached classical tradition and the new wave of immediate expression that began in Degas’ time. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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