Which text uses the word disinterested in its traditional sense?
Liz is happy with her position as class treasurer. Though she would have the support of the student council, she is disinterested in running for student body president. Liz is excellent in her position as class treasurer. She always manages to be disinterested in student council debates about the allocation of extracurricular funds.
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.
Liz is excellent in her position as class treasurer. She always manages to be disinterested in student council debates about the allocation of extracurricular funds.
The second text uses disinterested in its nontraditional sense: uninterested or indifferent.
Liz is happy with her position as class treasurer. Though she would have the support of the student council, she is disinterested in running for student body president.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word disinterested because it is considered more standard.