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Distract vs Subtract - What's the difference?

distract | subtract |

In transitive terms the difference between distract and subtract

is that distract is to divert the attention of while subtract is to remove or reduce; especially to reduce a quantity or number.

As an adjective distract

is separated; drawn asunder.

distract

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To divert the attention of.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2011, date=December 10, author=David Ornstein, work=BBC Sport
    • , title= Arsenal 1-0 Everton , passage=While Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had warned his players against letting the pre-match festivities distract them from the task at hand, they clearly struggled for fluency early on.}}
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=55, magazine=(The Economist)
    • , title= Travels and travails , passage=Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.}}
    '

    Related terms

    * distracted * distractible * distracting * distraction

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Separated; drawn asunder.
  • (obsolete) Insane; mad.
    • (Drayton)

    subtract

    English

    (wikipedia subtract)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To remove or reduce; especially to reduce a quantity or number
    • If you subtract the $100 for gas and bridge toll, it was a fairly inexpensive trip.

    Synonyms

    *

    Derived terms

    * subtraction