feign indifference

Meaning

To 'feign indifference' means to pretend that you do not care about someone or something, when in reality you might be deeply interested, anxious, or affected. It is a formal expression often used in psychology, literature, or professional contexts to describe a coping mechanism or strategic behavior.

Examples

• Although she was thrilled to see him, she chose to feign indifference to protect her pride.

  Although she was thrilled to see him, she chose to feign indifference to protect her pride.

• The negotiator had to feign indifference to the offer to secure a better price.

  The negotiator had to feign indifference to the offer to secure a better price.

• It is difficult to feign indifference when someone you care about is actively ignoring you.

  It is difficult to feign indifference when someone you care about is actively ignoring you.

• He tried to feign indifference to the criticism, but his tense posture gave him away.

  He tried to feign indifference to the criticism, but his tense posture gave him away.

• During the interview, she feigned indifference to the salary package to focus on the role's responsibilities.

  During the interview, she feigned indifference to the salary package to focus on the role's responsibilities.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He tried to feign indifferent when she walked in.

  ✓ He tried to feign indifference when she walked in.

  The verb 'feign' is transitive and requires a noun object ('indifference'), not an adjective ('indifferent').

• ✗ She feigned an indifference about the results.

  ✓ She feigned indifference to the results.

  'Indifference' is typically uncountable in this context and does not take 'an'. Additionally, it collocates with the preposition 'to', not 'about'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of showing his excitement, he decided to ___ during the negotiation.

  💡 Pretend not to care.

  Show answer

  feign indifference

• She ___ to his dramatic exit, though her heart was pounding.

  💡 Pretended not to care in the past.

  Show answer

  feigned indifference