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View synonyms for

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

/ ɪˈٰæ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

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

  • detractingly adverb
  • detractor noun
  • undetracting adjective
  • undetractingly adverb
  • ˈٰپԲ adverb
  • ˈٰپ adverb
  • ˈٰپ adjective
  • ˈٰٴǰ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of detract1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French detracter or directly from Latin ŧٰٳܲ “drawn away” (past participle of ŧٰ ), equivalent to ŧ- de- + tractus “dɲ”; tract 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of detract1

C15: from Latin ŧٰٳܲ drawn away, from ŧٰ to pull away, disparage, from de- + trahere to drag
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

While balancing the books weighs on Deutrom's mind, it does not detract from an unbridled passion for Ireland to continue to play the longer format.

From

He wove intricate technical details into his stories, without detracting from the lightning pace of his plots.

From

The final pair of Stark and rookie Julia Lopez Ramirez lost a hole on the group in front which highlighted the problem of glacial pace of play and again detracted from the spectacle.

From

“Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve.”

From

That does not detract from his status as a great of the game.

From

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DETRdetraction