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Meaning & use

remotely interested

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UK/rɪˌməʊtli ˈɪntrəstɪd/
US/rɪˌmoʊtli ˈɪntrəstɪd/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Not interested at all, even slightly; used mainly in negative sentences to emphasize complete lack of interest.

    Grammar: Usually appears as 'not remotely interested' or 'not remotely interested in something'; 'remotely' here means 'in the smallest degree'.

    Patterns

    • not remotely interested
    • not remotely interested in something
    • not remotely interested in doing something

    She said she wasn't remotely interested in the job offer.

    I'm not remotely interested in arguing about it — let's just move on.

    He looked at the menu and said he wasn't remotely interested in trying the fish.

  2. phrasefixed phraseinformal

    Not at all concerned or curious about something, when the speaker wants to sound firm or dismissive.

    Grammar: Often used in the first person to reject a suggestion: 'I'm not remotely interested'.

    Patterns

    • I'm not remotely interested
    • not remotely interested in hearing something

    I'm not remotely interested in what the critics think.

    They weren't remotely interested in changing the plan.

Common combinations

not remotely interested in something
She's not remotely interested in football.
not remotely interested in doing something
He's not remotely interested in learning to drive.
remotely possible
It's not remotely possible to finish this today.
remotely similar
The two versions aren't remotely similar.

Synonyms and how they differ

not at all interested
A plainer, less emphatic way to say the same thing; 'remotely' adds a sharper, almost annoyed tone.
completely uninterested
Focuses on the state of being uninterested rather than on the degree, and does not need a negative word.
indifferent
More formal and cooler in tone; it suggests no strong feeling either way rather than active lack of interest.

Opposites

very interestedkeen

Word family

remote adjective
Far away in space or time; also used of a slight possibility.
remoteness noun
The quality of being far away or distant in feeling.

Commonly confused: remotely interested or barely interested?

remotely interested vs barely interested

'Barely' means only just, so 'barely interested' suggests a tiny amount of interest; 'not remotely interested' means none at all.

Practice

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