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Glite Dictionary
distrait

distrait

9.9
Not paying attention because you feel worried or are thinking about something else
  • adjective
  • /dɪˈstreɪ/
  • Literature
translation icon : distraído
  • After receiving the bad news, she felt distrait and struggled to concentrate on her work.

Examples

  • She appeared distrait during the meeting, often staring out the window.

  • His distrait expression made it clear that he was lost in thought.

  • You just seem distrait.

    Stillwater (2021)

Synonyms

absent
vsdistrait
19 4.0

Not paying attention because your mind is somewhere else

is more tied to anxious worry rather than general preoccupation
inattentive
vsdistrait
5 5.3

Does not notice what is happening or small details

is specifically due to anxious preoccupation rather than careless lack
absentminded
vsdistrait
2 5.9

A person who often does not pay attention and forgets small things like keys

is caused more by worry or anxiety than ordinary forgetfulness
distractible
vsdistrait
1 5.8

Likely to lose attention when other things happen

is more about being pulled away by worry than mere susceptibility
drifty
vsdistrait
  • Informal
1 7.8

Easily distracted and not paying full attention

is linked to anxious distraction rather than general wandering
distracted
vsdistrait
3.1

Not able to pay attention because your mind is on other things

is identical in meaning but emphasizes anxious preoccupation
unattentive
vsdistrait
6.5

Not paying attention to what is happening or being said

is caused by anxiety-driven distraction rather than general lack of focus

Antonyms

attentive
61 3.0

Paying close attention and caring about someone's needs

clearheaded
1 4.9

Able to think clearly and make good decisions

How Distracted

preoccupied
32 4.5
distrait
  • Literature
9.9
absentminded
2 5.9

Surface Forms

distrait positive

Etymology

Distrait comes from French and is related to distract and tractor. The parts dis- and tract mean 'apart' and 'to pull', so if someone is distrait their attention is like being 'pulled apart' by worry, which makes them look absent-minded.