Detract: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：diminish the value (detract)

detract 🔊

/dɪˈtrækt/

To make something seem less good, valuable, or impressive.

Illustration of detract meaning: a hand scribbling over a scenic landscape, showing how something can diminish value.

diminish the value 🔊

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/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ ðə ˈvæljuː/

To cause something to be perceived as having lower worth or appeal.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'de-' (away) + 'trahere' (to draw), meaning to draw away value.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'de-tract' as pulling (tract) quality away (de) from something.

📖 Example

While the new phone has amazing features, its high price tag significantly detracts from its overall appeal. 🔊 The high price reduces the phone's overall appeal despite its features.

🔗 Collocations

detract from – to reduce the quality or value of something

detract attention – to divert focus away from something

detract value – to lessen the worth of something

🔄 Synonyms

diminish (v.) – to make or become less in size, importance, or intensity

reduce (v.) – to make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size

undermine (v.) – to weaken or impair gradually, especially by subtle means

🚫 Antonyms

enhance (v.) – to increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something

boost (v.) – to help or encourage to increase or improve

amplify (v.) – to make larger, greater, or stronger

🌱 Derivatives

detraction (n.) – the act of detracting or disparaging; a derogatory remark

detractive (adj.) – tending to detract or reduce merit

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'detrahere', meaning 'to pull down or disparage'. Historically used in rhetoric to undermine arguments; now common in critiques describing factors that reduce merit.