Crossword Genius

A way to get variable interest? No (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apathy

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'interest? no' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'a way to get variable' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'path' (synonyms).
'to get' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'variable' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'a'+'path'+'y'='APATHY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apathy that I've seen before include "Unconcern" , "Absense of interest or emotion" , "Torpor" , "Indifference - listlessness" , "Complete lack of interest, indifference" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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