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Distractedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distractedly

[dɪsˈtræktɪdli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of attention

Distractedly refers to doing something in a manner that shows a lack of concentration or focus due to being preoccupied with other thoughts or worries. When someone acts distractedly, they often miss important details or fail to engage fully with their surroundings.

Synonyms

absently, inattentively, preoccupied, unfocused.

Examples of usage

  • She stared at her book distractedly, unable to concentrate.
  • He answered the questions distractedly, his mind elsewhere.
  • They chatted distractedly, completely unaware of the time passing.
  • I drove distractedly, lost in my thoughts.
  • The child played distractedly, looking around for his friends.

Translations

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Origin of 'distractedly'

The word 'distractedly' originates from the root word 'distract', which comes from the Latin 'distrahere', meaning 'to draw apart'. In English, 'distract' began to be used in the late 14th century, signifying the act of diverting attention. The adverbial form 'distractedly' follows the common English formation of adding '-ly' to adjectives to create adverbs. This word reflects not just a stopping of attention but also a sense of being pulled away from one focus to another, which was further emphasized in the context of mental engagement versus physical action. Over time, 'distractedly' has come to embody a variety of scenarios, ranging from trivial everyday situations to significant moments of lapse in attention that can have critical consequences.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,173 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.