WordGarden.ioindispose
Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌɪndɪspˈoʊz/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone unwilling or disinclined
to make someone slightly ill or unfit
Beyond the definition
To indispose someone is not usually about a serious illness. It is a formal word that means to make someone slightly unwell, or to make them less willing to do something. Think of a rich dessert after a big meal; it might leave you feeling a little off. Or a harsh word might indispose someone toward helping you.
The word carries a hint of formality and was once often used in polite society to explain why someone could not attend an event: "I regret I am indisposed this evening." It suggests being out of sorts, either physically or in mood, and it often appears in careful, old-fashioned speech.
The word "indispose" has a formal, slightly old-fashioned feel, and its meanings center on making someone less well or less willing. In its most literal sense, it means to make someone slightly ill or uncomfortable, not seriously sick, but unwell enough to feel off. For example: "The spicy food indisposed him for several hours."
But "indispose" is not limited to physical discomfort. It can also mean to make someone unwilling, unfriendly, or less ready to do something. "His rude behavior indisposed her toward further conversation." Here the word points to a change in attitude rather than health.
Historically, the related form "indisposed" was often used as a polite way to say that someone was unwell or unavailable, especially in formal settings. A host might say, "I'm sorry, the Countess is slightly indisposed and unable to receive guests," meaning she was not feeling well enough to entertain. This use still exists, but today it sounds somewhat old-fashioned.
So whether it refers to mild illness or to a shift in attitude, "indispose" suggests that something has left a person less ready, less comfortable, or less willing than before. It is a subtle word, and it usually appears in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Examples
- 1
Medical absence
I'm afraid Dr. Shah is indisposed and won't be seeing patients this afternoon.
- Usage
indisposed is a formal, polite way to say someone is not well enough
- 2
Feeling unwell
She felt too indisposed to join us for dinner after the long train ride.
- 3
Opposition
His rude tone indisposed the committee against his proposal.
- Patternindispose someone against + idea/proposal
make them less favorable toward it
See also
Similar
- disincline
- deter
- put off
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- indispose someone to do something
- indispose someone toward something
Word family
- indisposed
- indisposition
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- indisposeverb