What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insensitive
Example
He was insensitive to her pain and kept making jokes. [insensitive: adjective]
Example
Her insensitive remarks hurt his feelings. [insensitive: adjective]
indifferent
Example
She was indifferent to his proposal and didn't even bother to respond. [indifferent: adjective]
Example
He remained indifferent to the news of his friend's success. [indifferent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insensitive is more commonly used than indifferent in everyday language. Insensitive is often used to describe specific incidents or behaviors, while indifferent is more general and can describe a range of attitudes or approaches.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insensitive and indifferent?
Both insensitive and indifferent are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, insensitive may be perceived as more negative and emotionally charged than indifferent.
