detract

verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

to draw away or divert; distract: to detract another's attention from more important issues.

Archaic. to take away (a part); abate: The dilapidated barn detracts charm from the landscape.

Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French detracter) < Latin dētractus drawn away (past participle of dētrahere), equivalent to dē- de- + tractus drawn; see tract¹

Related forms

de·tract·ing·ly, adverb

de·trac·tor, noun

un·de·tract·ing, adjective

un·de·tract·ing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

detract (dɪˈtrækt)

—vb (when intr, usually foll by from)
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

[C15: from Latin dētractus drawn away, from dētrahere to pull away, disparage, from de- + trahere to drag]

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

de'tractingly

—*adv*

de'tractive

—*adj*

de'tractory

—*adj*

de'tractively

—*adv*

de'tractor

—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

detract

c.1500, from L. detractus, pp. of detrahere "to draw off" (see detraction).

Example sentences

Some conservationists fear that cloning would detract from other, less costly efforts at preserving habitat.

The carport addition does not detract from the character of the building.

It is worth remembering that the commodification of art does not necessarily detract from its non-fiscal value.

But that does not detract from its odd charm, which often surprises first-time

guests.

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Related Words

besmirch defect derogate diminish

diminish muscovado take

Matching Quote

"We must bear in mind the distinction between fame and honor. A virtuous person is an honorable person, a person who ought to be honored by the community in which he or she lives. But the virtuous person does not seek honor, being secure in his or her own self-respect. Lack of honor does not in any way detract from the efficacy of moral virtue as an indispensable operative means in the pursuit of happiness.... Those totally lacking in virtue may achieve fame as readily as, perhaps even more easily than those who are virtuous. Fame belongs to the great, the outstanding, the exceptional, without regard to virtue or vice. Infamy is fame no less than good repute. The great scoundrel can be as famous as the great hero; there can be famous villains as well as famous saints. Existing in the reputation a person has regardless of his or her accomplishments, fame does not tarnish as honor does when it is unmerited."

-Mortimer J. Adler