pretend indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretend indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is feigning a lack of interest or concern about something. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she maintained a facade of pretend indifference, as if nothing bothered her at all."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pretend indifference if you have to.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The usual complement of stags, most of them dressed in windbreakers or athletic jackets, stood self-consciously on the sidelines, pretending indifference.

The New Yorker

Trevor-Roper has never mentioned Lady Alexandra hewalwayshnston (he always pretends indifference, if not scorn, towards the aristocracy) and nothing is ever divulged about the woman he quite suddenly married at 40.

The Guardian - Books

Do I feign indifference?

The New York Times

They pretend to enjoy their wives' tolerant indifference, but their deepest fear is that their wives were musical once, with their teen-aged musical lovers.

The New Yorker

Who are we, as a nation, when we pretend there is not a price tag for indifference?

Huffington Post

Such deep-seated indifference to the essence of law -- even by those who pretend to follow its letter -- cannot be easily overcome.

Huffington Post

Why pretend?

Independent

All the while, with a certain sardonic indifference, she continued to walk the streets — setting her focus at twelve feet and using a "right-angle finder," a sleight-of-hand device that lets a photographer pretend to take a picture in one direction while actually pulling the trigger in another.

The New Yorker

To pretend.

The Guardian - Books

Are they pretend pretend pirates?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When bargaining, especially in unfamiliar markets, use "pretend indifference" to avoid revealing your eagerness, which can drive up the price.

Common error

Be mindful that "pretend indifference" is a deliberate act. Do not confuse it with actual disinterest, which stems from a genuine lack of concern. The former is a strategy; the latter is a state of mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretend indifference" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, describing the act of feigning a lack of interest or concern. It typically conveys a strategic or defensive maneuver, where someone intentionally masks their true feelings or desires. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretend indifference" is a phrase used to describe the act of feigning a lack of interest or concern, often for strategic purposes. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is relatively rare in published writing. As Ludwig shows, it appears in diverse contexts like news, wikis and books, with neutral formality. It has multiple synonyms to enrich expression, as analyzed by Ludwig. Using "pretend indifference" effectively requires awareness of the social context to avoid appearing insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feign disinterest

Replaces "pretend" with "feign" and "indifference" with "disinterest", both synonyms, resulting in a more formal tone.

feign a lack of concern

Emphasizes the absence of worry or interest being portrayed.

affect unconcern

Uses "affect" to mean pretend and "unconcern" instead of indifference, changing the tone to slightly more sophisticated.

simulate apathy

"Simulate" replaces "pretend", and "apathy" replaces "indifference", indicating a deliberate display of lack of feeling.

fake nonchalance

Substitutes "pretend" with "fake" and "indifference" with "nonchalance", conveying a casual lack of concern.

display a false lack of interest

Replaces "pretend indifference" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the falseness of the displayed disinterest.

put on a show of indifference

Emphasizes the performative aspect of pretending to be indifferent, highlighting the deliberate act.

mask interest

Focuses on hiding or concealing interest, which is a key component of pretending indifference.

act disinterested

A more concise way of saying "pretend indifference", focusing on the action of appearing uninterested.

play it cool

An idiomatic expression suggesting a calm and unconcerned demeanor, similar to pretending indifference.

FAQs

How can I use "pretend indifference" effectively in a sentence?

Use "pretend indifference" to describe a situation where someone is intentionally masking their interest or concern. For example, "She tried to "pretend indifference" when he walked into the room, but her racing heart betrayed her true feelings."

What are some synonyms for "pretend indifference"?

Alternatives to "pretend indifference" include "feign disinterest", "affect unconcern", or "simulate apathy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "pretend indifference"?

No, "pretend indifference" can be perceived as insincere or manipulative if the context calls for empathy or genuine engagement. Consider the social dynamics and potential impact before using this strategy.

What's the difference between "pretend indifference" and simply being indifferent?

"Pretend indifference" is a deliberate act of feigning a lack of interest or concern, while genuine indifference is a true absence of interest. The former involves conscious effort; the latter is a natural state.