distrait
/dis'trei/
Definition
Adjective: Having the attention diverted, especially because of anxiety or worry; absent-minded, inattentive, or preoccupied.
Usage
The adjective distrait describes a person whose mind is wandering or who is not fully attentive to the present situation, typically due to inner concerns, anxiety, or distraction. It often implies a temporary state of mental absence. * The distrait professor walked into the wrong lecture hall. * She gave a distrait answer, clearly thinking about something else. * He seemed distrait during the meeting, constantly checking his phone.
Advanced Usage
- Literary/Formal Tone: Distrait is more common in literary or formal contexts than in everyday conversation. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or sophisticated nuance.
- The nobleman, distrait with grief, barely acknowledged his guests.
- Distinguished from 'Distraught': While both words relate to a troubled mind, distrait specifically means or . Distraught is a stronger term meaning or .
- Distrait: He was distrait, forgetting his keys because he was worried about the test.
- Distraught: She was distraught after hearing the bad news.
Variants and Related Words
- Distracted (adj.): The more common, modern synonym for distrait, meaning unable to concentrate because the mind is preoccupied.
- Preoccupied (adj.): Absorbed in thought; engrossed.
- Absent-minded (adj.): Habitually forgetful or inattentive.
Synonyms
- Inattentive
- Abstracted
- Heedless
- Oblivious
Antonyms
- Attentive
- Alert
- Focused
- Concentrated
Adjective
-
having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety
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