detract
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
-
to draw away or divert; distract.
to detract another's attention from more important issues.
-
Archaic. to take away (a part); abate.
The dilapidated barn detracts charm from the landscape.
verb
-
to take away a part (of); diminish
her anger detracts from her beauty
-
(tr) to distract or divert
-
obsolete (tr) to belittle or disparage
Usage
Detract is sometimes wrongly used where distract is meant: a noise distracted (not detracted ) my attention
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detract
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French detracter or directly from Latin dētractus “drawn away” (past participle of dētrahere ), equivalent to dē- de- + tractus “drawn”; see tract 1
Explanation
If you detract from something — like an achievement or an opinion or an object — you take away some of its value or diminish it. That dent in the door of your car may detract from its overall value. The verb detract comes from the Latin word detrahere, meaning “draw away from,” or “take down.” If you detract from someone’s credibility, you reduce — or take down — that person's worth. When you make valid points opposing an argument a politician is making, you detract from her platform. Detract can also describe drawing attention away from something. If the politician then makes a public display of her humanity, she's trying to detract attention away from your arguments.
Vocabulary lists containing detract
Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" (1863)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 9, List 6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Gettysburg Address," Vocabulary from the speech
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Behavior of the Troops, on this Occasion, Speaks for itself so Strongly, that for me to Attempt their Eulogium, would but Detract from their merit.
From The Conspiracy of Pontiac and the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada by Parkman, Francis
Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commending.
From George Washington's Rules of Civility Traced to their Sources and Restored by Moncure D. Conway by Conway, Moncure Daniel
Detract from another, and nothing but envy will be your increase.
From Geoffery Gambado A Simple Remedy for Hypochondriacism and Melancholy Splenetic Humours by Bunbury, William Henry
Detract not from others, but neither be excessive in commending.
From Our Deportment Or the Manners, Conduct and Dress of the Most Refined Society by Young, John H.
I love thee, my darling, with love that is stronger, Than all the fond ties which the heart holds enshrined; Adversity, sorrow or pain can no longer Detract from this heart, if with thine intertwined.
From Mountain idylls, and Other Poems by King, Alfred Castner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
