Need another word for Distracted? Use these synonyms of Distracted from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
preoccupied
absent-minded
inattentive
diverted
sidetracked
unfocused
scattered
dispersed
fragmented
disorganized
confused
perplexed
bemused
puzzled
dazed
stunned
bewildered
disoriented
detached
remote
distant
aloof
abstracted
engrossed
absorbed
entranced
spellbound
fascinated
captivated
enthralled
mesmerized
distractedly
dreamy
vague
woolly
hazy
fuzzy
muddled
addled
befogged
bemused
puzzled.
Meaning of Distracted
The primary meaning of the word "distracted" is being unable to concentrate or pay attention due to being preoccupied or diverted.
Definitions
- Having one's attention drawn away from something, typically because one is thinking about something else or is being interrupted by something.
- Unable to concentrate or pay attention because one is worried or upset about something.
- Pulled away from a focus or a task by something that diverts attention.
Etymology of Distracted
The word "distracted" comes from the Latin "distractus", which is the past participle of "distrahere", meaning to draw away or distract, composed of "dis-" (away from) and "trahere" (to draw).
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe a state of being pulled away from a focus or attention due to various reasons.
Example Uses
- The driver was distracted by the phone call and missed the turn.
- She was distracted by her thoughts and forgot to pick up the groceries.
- The teacher tried to refocus the distracted students on the lesson.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
focused
attentive
concentrated
intent
absorbed
engrossed
enthralled
captivated
fascinated
mesmerized
spellbound
entranced
absorbed
attentive
alert
vigilant
watchful
observant
mindful
aware
conscious
deliberate
purposeful
intentional.