Detract Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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detract
[dษชหtrรฆkt ]
Definition
from reputation
To reduce or take away from the worth or value of something. It can also mean to divert or distract someone's attention.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| detract |
Use when something takes away from the value, importance, or quality of something else. It often implies a reduction in the perceived worth or effectiveness.
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| diminish |
Use when something becomes less in size, importance, or intensity. It can apply to both tangible and intangible things.
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| depreciate |
Commonly used in financial and economic contexts to refer to the decrease in the value of an asset over time. It can also mean to belittle or make something seem less valuable.
|
| lessen |
Use in a general context to indicate a reduction in quantity, intensity, or degree. It is often used in everyday language.
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Examples of usage
- He felt that any criticism would detract from his reputation.
- Don't let personal issues detract you from your goals.
- The new design detracted from the overall aesthetic of the building.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often detract from each other's reputation through gossip and slander.
- The concept appears in many moral tales where actions detract from a hero's journey or moral standing.
- In modern literature, tropes often involve protagonists facing distractions that detract from their goals.
Psychology
- Negative feedback can detract from self-esteem, leading to decreased motivation in individuals.
- Research shows that distractions can detract from attention spans and overall task performance.
- The โdetractor effectโ in social settings suggests that certain individuals can diminish the groupโs overall enjoyment.
Pop Culture
- In movies, elements like plot holes or poor acting can detract from viewersโ enjoyment, leading to negative reviews.
- Reality TV often showcases drama that detracts from the supposed purpose of the show, sparking critical discussion.
- Social media can both connect and detract from real-life relationships, causing users to question their online interactions.
Education
- In learning environments, distractions such as noise can detract from a studentโs ability to concentrate.
- Critiques can serve as learning tools, but excessive negativity might detract from a studentโs confidence.
- Engagement strategies aim to minimize factors that detract from studentsโ learning experiences.
Origin of 'detract'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'detrahere,' meaning 'to pull away.' It combines 'de-' (down from) and 'tractus' (pulled).
- It was first used in English around the 16th century, maintaining its meaning of reducing value or importance.
- Related words include 'detractor,' referring to someone who criticizes or belittles.
The word 'detract' originated from the Latin word 'detractare', which means 'to pull off' or 'to take away'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, 'detract' has evolved to encompass the meanings of diminishing value or diverting attention.
See also: intractable, protract, protracted, protraction, protractor, retract, subtract, subtraction, tract, tractability, tractable, traction, tractor.