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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The impressive property also features a long, gated driveway, a home theater, and a detached guest house and recording studio, per the listing, which was held by Branden Williams and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Structures include a main home, a detached guesthouse, and separate staff quarters—for a combined total of 16 bedrooms and 27 baths in 50,000 square feet. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024 Muscle sprains occur when the ligaments that connect bone to bone become detached. Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for detached 

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 8 Nov. 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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