The word "distract" has a tricky spelling due to its complex sound structure. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /dɪsˈtrækt/. The initial sound "/dɪs/" is pronounced like "di-" in "dialogue." The second sound "/ˈtrækt/" has a strong "t" sound followed by a vocalic "r" and an "a" sound pronounced like "ah." The final "ct" is pronounced like "kt." Despite its tricky spelling, "distract" is commonly used to describe a state of being unable to concentrate.
The verb "distract" refers to the act of diverting or pulling someone's attention away from what they are currently focused on. It involves disrupting another person's concentration, typically by drawing their mind or eyes to other things or activities. When someone is distracted, they lose their focus or become less attentive to their original task or train of thought.
Distractions can come in various forms, such as external sounds, visual stimuli, thoughts, or emotions. For instance, a loud noise outside the window may distract a student studying diligently or a phone notification may distract a worker from completing a task. Distraction can also be intentional, as with someone purposely trying to sidetrack another person from their responsibilities or duties.
The consequences of being distracted can vary depending on the context. It may hinder productivity, hinder learning or understanding, decrease performance in tasks, or even compromise safety in certain situations. Avoiding distractions and maintaining focus is crucial in accomplishing goals effectively and efficiently.
Overall, to "distract" means to divert or disrupt someone's attention, causing them to lose their focus or concentration on a particular task, thought, or situation. It involves drawing their awareness away from their intended or current focus, often resulting in decreased performance or productivity.
To pull the attention or mind in different directions; to confuse; to perplex; to confound or harass; to turn or draw from any point or object.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "distract" derives from the Latin word "distractus", which is the past participle of the verb "distractare". "Distractus" is a compound of the prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" or "away", and the verb "trahere" meaning "to pull" or "drag". Therefore, the original sense of "distract" was "to pull apart" or "to draw away", implying the act of diverting attention or causing someone to lose focus. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the state of being mentally or emotionally disturbed or preoccupied.