distractive

[ dih-strak-tiv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

First recorded in 1625–35; distract + -ive

It is always distractive, and very often ends in a wrong combination.

Between these extremes are many sentences which may take either the comma or the semicolon without distractive effect.

No. 74 is a particularly distractive sentence, although its punctuation may be technically correct.

The distractive effect caused by producing two impressions through a wrong use of marks of parenthesis, should be avoided.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse