indifferently, adv.
(ɪnˈdɪfərəntlɪ)
[f. indifferent a. + -ly2; but in earliest use directly based on L. indifferenter or F. indifféremment.]
In an indifferent manner; with indifference.
1. Without difference or distinction; equally, alike, indiscriminately.
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. v. pr. iii. 122 (Camb. MS.) So þat he wite egaly, as who seyth indifferently, þat thinges mowen ben doon or elles nat ydoon. c 1400 Apol. Loll. 30 Ilk prest of Crist was callid indifferently prest and bischop. 1549 Coverdale, etc. Erasm. Par. Gal. 12 What lette shoulde there be, why God shoulde not indifferently coumpte all for his chyldren? 1600 Holland Livy ii. xxxiii. 66 The same yeare died Menenius Agrippa, a man..beloved indifferently [L. pariter] of the Senatours and the Commons. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 57 ¶2 All Mankind are indifferently liable to adverse Strokes of Fortune. 1756 Burke Subl. & B. ii. ii, They frequently use the same word, to signify indifferently the modes of astonishment or admiration and those of terrour. 1880 Geikie Phys. Geog. iv. 265 At first we might expect to meet with lakes indifferently on any part of the earth's surface. |
† b. In a position equally convenient as to distance for all parties. Obs.
| 1655 Fuller Ch. Hist. v. ii. §44. 187 A Court is called in the Priory of Dunstable in Bedford-shire, as a favourable place, indifferently distanced. |
† 2. Without bias or prejudice; impartially. Obs.
| 1430–40 Lydg. Bochas v. xxx. (1544) 141 Indifferently his domes demeaning Such one is able to be cleped a kyng. 1531–2 Act 23 Hen. VIII, c. 5 §5 You..shall trewly and indifferently execute the auctoritie to you geuen. 1548–9 (Mar.) Bk. Com. Prayer, Commun., That they maye truely and indifferently minister iustice. 1617 Sir R. Boyle Diary (1886) I. 165 So many mares as shalbe vallued at lxli by two men indifferently to be chose by us bothe. 1737 Wesley Wks. (1872) I. 53, I..was determined to behave indifferently to all, rich or poor, friends or enemies. 1844 Ld. Brougham Brit. Const. xix. §6 (1862) 351 Twelve men indifferently chosen, and of a station near his own. |
3. With indifference or unconcern; calmly, unconcernedly; carelessly.
| 1573–80 Baret Alv. I 128 But if he shall vnderstand..that you take the matter indifferently or quietly [L. æquo animo]. 1601 Shakes. Jul. C. i. ii. 87 Set Honor in one eye, and Death i'th other, And I will looke on both indifferently. 1663 Pepys Diary 10 Jan., I answered him [Penn] so indifferently that I think he and I shall be at a distance. 1747 Gentl. Mag. Apr., But Lovat's fate indifferently we view, True to no king, to no religion true. 1848 C. Brontë J. Eyre xvii, ‘I have not considered the subject’, said he indifferently, looking straight before him. |
† 4. Without determination either way; neutrally.
| 1607 Shakes. Cor. ii. ii. 19 If he did not care whether he had their loue, or no, hee waued indifferently, 'twixt doing them neyther good, nor harme. a 1716 Bp. O. Blackall Wks. (1723) I. 53 Whether they be our Friends or our Enemies, or indifferently affected towards us. |
5. To some extent, in some degree (as intermediate between very or very much and not at all); moderately, tolerably, fairly; esp. indifferently well, pretty well. (Cf. indifferent adv.) Now rare.
| c 1540 tr. Pol. Verg. Eng. Hist. (Camden) I. 28 That everie man, but indifferentlie skilfull maye perceave the crafte. 1578 Banister Hist. Man i. 19 A certayne rownd and long Processe, indifferently thicke. 1599 Shakes. Hen. V, ii. i. 58, I haue an humor to knocke you indifferently well. 1772–84 Cook Voy. (1790) IV. 1227 The churches are not magnificent without; but within are decent, and indifferently ornamented. 1855 Prescott Philip II, I. i. ii. 13 French he could speak indifferently well. 1858 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. v. i. II. 57 For reasons indifferently good. |
b. Not very well; poorly, badly (usually preceded by very or but).
| 1676 tr. Guillatiere's Voy. Athens 110 The Wine they provided was indifferently good, but their water was excellent. 1700 S. L. tr. Fryke's Voy. E. Ind. 159 He thought I understood my business but very indifferently, since I kept him so long under my hands. 1706–7 Farquhar Beaux Strat. i. Wks. (Rtldg.) 644/1 We are an inland Town, and indifferently provided with Fish. 1855 Prescott Philip II, i. vii. (1857) 114 Montmorency..now took the command, for which his rash and impetuous temper but indifferently qualified him. 1868 Dickens Lett. (1880) II. 339, I rest very indifferently at night. |