detract

American  

[dih-trakt] / dɪˈtrækt /

verb (used without object)

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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Usage

Detract is sometimes wrongly used where distract is meant: a noise distracted (not detracted ) my attention

Other Word Forms

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

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”; tract ¹

Example Sentences

My total ignorance of military maneuvers in no way detracts from my enjoyment and in some ways enhances it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Given the noise following England, Stokes is working overtime as a leader, yet that cannot detract from his responsibility as a player.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

Related Words

• draw away