detached

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht 

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 

dē-

-ˈtacht-lē

adverb

detachedness

di-ˈta-chəd-nəs 

-ˈtacht-nəs

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• aloof
• antisocial
• asocial
• buttoned-up
• cold
• cold-eyed
• cool
• distant
• dry
• frosty
• offish
• remote
• standoff
• standoffish
• unbending
• unclubbable
• unsociable

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

Of those who made it out alive, some survivors appeared to be recovering well and others reported feeling numb and detached. —Gal Koplewitz Natan Odenheimer, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

The 45-year-old was hospitalized and treated for six rib fractures, a detached jaw and ear, and internal bleeding. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2024

Moreover, with his detached demeanor, Tom doesn’t even fake the affection or familiarity needed to carry off this ruse. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024

Past a ranch house, the sedan stopped outside a large detached garage. —Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 14 Mar. 2024

Here is the challenge: The new house has a perfect solution — a huge, vacant detached garage with an attached workshop. —Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024

Quin’s debut novel, out Feb. 13 from Atria Books, envisions Medea’s forbidding, power-seeking father, the son of a Titan and a sorcerer himself, and her beautiful, detached mother, a sea nymph who only wants to return to her ocean home. —Diya Chacko, Orange County Register, 13 Feb. 2024

During her trial last month, Ms. Crumbley was described by prosecutors as a detached and neglectful mother who engaged in an extramarital affair and at times showed more interest in caring for her horses than her son. —Jacey Fortin, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024

Why has the United Kingdom, which sometimes appears to be such a detached country, been able to strongly influence the world of style, also in music? —Billboard Italy, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see detach

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detached

• detached service

Kids Definition

detached

adjective

de·​tached di-ˈtacht 

1

: not joined or connected : separate

a detached house

2

: aloof entry 2, unconcerned, impartial

a detached attitude

detachedly

-ˈtach-əd-lē 

-ˈtach-tlē

adverb

detachedness

-ˈtach-əd-nəs 

-ˈtach(t)-nəs

noun