Detract

Pronunciation: /dɪˈtrækt/

Definitions of detract

verb to diminish the worth or value of something

Example Sentences

A1 Eating junk food can detract from your overall health.

A2 Using too many fancy fonts can detract from the readability of your presentation.

B1 The loud music detracted from the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

B2 His lack of experience detracted from his chances of getting the job.

C1 The minor flaws in the design detracted from its overall appeal.

C2 Her controversial statements detracted from the credibility of her argument.

Examples of detract in a Sentence

formal The presence of grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of a research paper.

informal Having too many distractions can detract from your ability to focus on studying.

slang Don't let petty gossip detract you from achieving your goals.

figurative Her constant negativity seemed to detract from the positive energy in the room.

Grammatical Forms of detract

• past tense: detracted
• plural: detracts
• comparative: more detractive
• superlative: most detractive
• present tense: detract
• future tense: will detract
• perfect tense: have detracted
• continuous tense: is detracting
• singular: detractor
• positive degree: detractive
• infinitive: to detract
• gerund: detracting
• participle: detracted

Origin and Evolution of detract

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'detract' originated from the Latin word 'detractare', which means 'to take away'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'detract' has evolved to mean to diminish the worth or value of something or someone by speaking negatively about them.