French word

distraction

Pronunciation

IPA/distʁaksjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine noundistraction

Example

Une distraction peut parfois aider à oublier le stress.

A distraction can sometimes help you forget about stress.

Illustration for distraction (distraction)

More examples

Les distractions au bureau empêchent souvent d'achever un travail.

Distractions at the office often prevent you from finishing a task.

Core concept

A pull away from the main focus that can feel either like welcome relief or unwanted interruption.

Common phrases

  • une distraction temporaire

    a temporary distraction

  • les distractions au bureau

    distractions at the office

  • éviter les distractions

    avoid distractions

Similar words

détente: Rest or an activity that eases tension and promotes relaxation.
diversion: An act or event that takes the mind off worries or concerns.
récréation: A short break or playful activity between periods of work or study.
passe-temps: A hobby or activity enjoyed regularly to fill spare time.

Definition in French

Cause ou moyen qui détourne l'attention momentanément, tantôt perçu comme passe-temps, tantôt comme source de distraction.

Word origin

French distraction comes from Latin distractio, from distrahere, formed with dis- meaning apart and trahere meaning to draw.

Usage tips

  • Distraction is feminine, so standard forms include la distraction and une distraction.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word