verb
detract
di-TRAKT/dɪtrˈækt/
To make something seem less valuable, effective, or good.
The pile of litter detracts from the beauty of the flowering pond.
Etymology
The underlying image is pulling something down or away. Latin already used this figuratively for disparaging, connecting physical reduction with diminishing something’s value or appeal.
In context
The media indulged in considerable negative speculation about Pakistani motives at that time but it did not detract from the importance of these steps.
More examples
- A few typos do not detract from her argument.
- The peeling paint detracted from the house's appeal.
- The extra graphics are detracting from the clarity of your presentation.
Forms
detract · detracts · detracted · detracting
Similar words
- diminish
- Directly reduces size, strength, importance, or value, not just appeal.
- undermine
- Weakens something's support or effectiveness, often gradually or indirectly.