Word
detract
Phoneticsde·tract, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈtɹækt/
UK/dɪtɹˈækt/
Definitions
01to reduce quality or value
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to make something seem less good or less important.
v. to diminish the worth, quality, or importance of something; almost always used intransitively with the preposition 'from'.
“The small scratch on the table does not detract from its overall beauty.”
“While the technical glitches were minor, they did detract from the overall impact of the keynote presentation.”
Usage
Usually functions as an intransitive verb followed by the preposition 'from'.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'distract'; remind them that 'detract' is about value, while 'distract' is about attention.
02to criticize or defame
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary
v. to say bad things about someone to make them lose respect.
v. to take away credit or reputation from a person or achievement; to derogate or decry.
“Critics tried to detract his success by focusing on his early failures.”
“The political campaign sought to detract the candidate's reputation through a series of coordinated character attacks.”
Usage
Used transitively when the object is a person's reputation or character.
Teaching tip
This transitive use is much rarer in modern English than the intransitive 'detract from' construction.
Real-World Examples
“None of this detracts from the fact that Sunrise is an engrossing, original and thought-provoking novel, effortlessly readable and beautifully told.” “The brighter silver paint contrasting the greenhouse and A and D pillars against the darker bronze lower body somewhat detracts from the overall look.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French détracter, from Latin detractum, past participle of detraho.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/detract