distrait

American  

[dih-strey, dees-tre] / dɪˈstreɪ, disˈtrɛ /

adjective

1. inattentive because of distracting worries, fears, etc.; absent-minded.

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distrait British  

/ distrɛ, dɪˈstreɪ /

adjective

1. absent-minded; abstracted

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Other Word Forms

• overdistrait adjective

Etymology

Origin of distrait

1740–50; < French < Latin distractus; distract

Example Sentences

Looking more than a little distrait, she paused just long enough to push downward on Bloomberg’s roving hindquarters.

From Literature

Though weary and distrait, Margu�rite Garth was of too frank a disposition to allow such an extraordinary incident to pass without comment.

From Project Gutenberg

But Kipps was distrait for some seconds, perhaps, and the mischief had begun in him.

From Project Gutenberg

Slyne grew somewhat distrait and restless as the long dinner ran its course, and Carthew had to devote more attention to the duchess.

From Project Gutenberg

I found my cousin distrait, absent, moody, sad, preoccupied, unlike herself.

From Project Gutenberg