detract

[dih-trakt]

verb (used without object)

1. to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation (usually followed byfrom ).

verb (used with object)

1. to draw away or divert; distract.

   to detract another's attention from more important issues.

2. Archaic.,  to take away (a part); abate.

   The dilapidated barn detracts charm from the landscape.

detract

/ dɪˈtrækt /

verb

1. to take away a part (of); diminish

   her anger detracts from her beauty

2. (tr) to distract or divert

3. 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

• detractingly adverb
• detractor noun
• undetracting adjective
• undetractingly adverb
• detractively adverb
• detractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detract¹

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”; tract ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of detract¹

C15: from Latin dētractus drawn away, from dētrahere to pull away, disparage, from _de- + trahere to drag

Example Sentences

But that does not detract from them having a great fight.

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The question is entertaining, on an academic level, but also largely immaterial, and should not detract from the scale of Verstappen's achievement.

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But the union said the failure of its legal challenge did not detract from its concerns about the potential impact of Ofsted's new system on the mental health and wellbeing of school leaders and staff.

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Opting out of that challenge detracts from the drama and prevents fans from seeing the best performers in action.

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But regardless of how that comeback ends, Vonn isn’t worried about it detracting from what she’s already accomplished.

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Related Words

• draw away