C1verbformalacademic
US/dɪˈtrækt/
UK/dɪˈtrækt/
to make something seem less good, valuable or important than it really is
In context
A few spelling mistakes should not detract from an otherwise excellent essay.
The ugly new building detracts from the beauty of the old town.
Nothing can detract from her achievement as the first woman in the role.
Words that go with detract
verb + preposition
- detract fromToo many pictures can detract from the main message.
verb + noun
- detract from the valueThese small problems do not detract from the value of the study.
- detract attentionThe scandal may detract attention from the real issues.
- detract from the beautyPower lines detract from the beauty of the countryside.
adverb + verb
- seriously detractPoor sound quality seriously detracts from the film.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The noise detracted me from studying.Correct: The noise distracted me from studying.