indispose
LowFormal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To make someone unable, unfit, or unwilling to do something.
To cause a slight feeling of illness or aversion; to render unfit or disinclined.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used to describe a temporary state of physical unwellness or a reluctant psychological disposition. The adjective 'indisposed' is far more common than the verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical, but the verb is rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly euphemistic when referring to minor illness ('feeling indisposed'). In political contexts, can imply strategic reluctance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary speech and writing; primarily found in formal or historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to indispose someoneto indispose someone to/towards somethingto be indisposed (adjective form)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'indispose'; the adjectival form appears in 'to be indisposed' (a formal euphemism for being unwell).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The CEO's sudden illness indisposed him from attending the merger talks.'
Academic
Found in historical/political analysis. 'The scandal indisposed the electorate towards the candidate.'
Everyday
Virtually unused; 'indisposed' (adjective) is used formally for minor illness.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The damp weather is enough to indispose anyone to outdoor activities.
- His earlier rudeness indisposed the committee in his favour.
American English
- The heavy meal indisposed him for the rest of the afternoon.
- The candidate's gaffe indisposed many potential voters.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She is indisposed and cannot attend the meeting.
American English
- The judge was indisposed and the hearing was postponed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She felt indisposed after the long journey.
- The shocking news indisposed him to any further discussion.
- The ambassador's controversial remarks indisposed the host government towards any new treaty.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + DISPOSE (willing/able). If you are IN-DISPOSED, you are NOT disposed (not willing or able) to do something.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS READINESS / ILLNESS IS AN OBSTACLE. Something that 'indisposes' you creates a barrier to action or willingness.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'настроить против' (to set against) for psychological meaning; 'indispose' is more passive. For physical meaning, it is closer to 'вывести из строя' or 'сделать негодным', but milder.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'indispose' instead of the more common 'make ill' or 'discourage'. Confusing it with 'dispose of' (to throw away).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'indispose' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. The adjective 'indisposed' is more frequently encountered, especially in formal contexts.
'Indispose' suggests a milder, often temporary, unfitness or unwillingness, while 'disable' implies a more serious or long-lasting loss of ability.
Yes, it can refer to making someone slightly ill (physical) or making someone disinclined/averse to something (mental).
English prefers more direct or common alternatives like 'make ill', 'put off', 'discourage', or 'disincline', relegating 'indispose' to very formal or literary registers.
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