Which text uses the word disinterested in its traditional sense?
Patrick is disinterested in reading page after page of restaurant reviews on the Internet; he prefers to try out new restaurants for himself and make up his own mind. The restaurant reviews on this website are not exactly disinterested—restaurants can pay to remove unflattering reviews—but Patrick still finds it useful for finding new places to eat.
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses disinterested in its traditional sense: unbiased or impartial.
The restaurant reviews on this website are not exactly disinterested—restaurants can pay to remove unflattering reviews—but Patrick still finds it useful for finding new places to eat.
The second text uses disinterested in its nontraditional sense: uninterested or indifferent.
Patrick is disinterested in reading page after page of restaurant reviews on the Internet; he prefers to try out new restaurants for himself and make up his own mind.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word disinterested because it is considered more standard.