What is the difference between Detract and Distract?

b2-upper-intermediate

Detract

verb

Definition

To reduce or take away the worth or value of.

Examples

The ugly frame [detract]s from the beauty of the painting.

Minor mistakes do not [detract] from the overall quality.

Distract

verb

Definition

To prevent someone from giving full attention to something.

Examples

The loud music [distract]s me from my work.

Don't [distract] the driver.

Tags

similar-spelling sound-similar

Practice Quiz

Question 1: The loud music is starting to ___ me from my work.

detract distract

Question 2: A few minor scratches do not ___ from the car's overall value.

detract distract

Question 3: Don't let the fear of failure ___ you from pursuing your dreams.

distract detract

Question 4: The ugly graffiti ___s from the beauty of the historic building.

detract distract

Question 5: Which word means to lessen the merit or value of something?

detract distract

Question 6: He tried to ___ the dog with a toy while I grabbed its leash.

detract distract

Question 7: While the story was compelling, the poor acting ___ed from the film.

detract distract

Question 8: Which sentence is correct?

Please don't detract the speaker with your comments. A messy room can detract from an otherwise beautiful house. The beautiful view will distract from the hotel's problems. The bright lights can detract drivers on the road.

Question 9: Which word means to prevent someone from giving their full attention to something?

detract distract

Question 10: The constant notifications on my phone are a huge ___.

detraction distraction

Quiz Answers

Q1: distract

Q2: detract

Q3: distract

Q4: detract

Q5: detract

Q6: distract

Q7: detract

Q8: A messy room can detract from an otherwise beautiful house.

Q9: distract

Q10: distraction

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