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detract
Use
Detract
in a sentence
de·tract
/
dɪˈtrækt
/
Show Spelled
[
dih-
trakt
]
Show IPA
verb (used without object)
1.
to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation (usually followed by
from
).
verb (used with object)
2.
to draw away or divert; distract:
to detract another's attention from more important issues.
3.
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
tract
1
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.
Cite This Source
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detract
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What Rhymes With Detract...
What Is A Detraction?
What Rhymes With Detract...
What Is A Detraction?
00:10
Detract
is a GRE word you need to know.
So is
deforest
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deciduous
. Does it mean:
So is
delineate
. Does it mean:
the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.
to cut down trees
not permanent; transitory.
to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive:
remove from a country
to trace the outline of; sketch or trace in outline; represent pictorially:
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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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
detract
c.1500, from L. detractus, pp. of detrahere "to draw off" (see
detraction
).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
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.
Mack not to let his alien studies
detract
from his other work.
But sanding is important, and stinting on the effort will
detract
from even the finest job.
Not to mention the three huge logos at the bottom that
detract
from the rest of the cover.
Mud and other floating matter can
detract
from this method's effectiveness.
Such mistakes always tend to
detract
from a publication's credibility.
For example, some people worry that these goals
detract
from a focus on academic learning.
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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
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Synonyms
depreciate
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