Detraction — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈtrak-shən/ de·trac·tion

Meaning & Definition of Detraction

Detraction (noun)

  1. a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism, belittling, disparagement
  2. a taking away

Detraction (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act of making a person or a thing seem little or unimportant

    "her inevitable detraction of every new idea is annoying to the other club members"

    similar: belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, diminishment, disparagement, put-down
    related: aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling
    opposite: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification
    near: acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detraction

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detraction:

belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, diminishment, disparagement, put-down

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detraction

Words with the opposite meaning of Detraction:

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Related Words for Detraction

aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling

Near Antonyms of Detraction

acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Word Forms of Detraction

Derived words: detractive (adjective), detractively (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Detraction

Middle English detraccioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French detraciun, borrowed from Late Latin dētractiōn-, dētractiō, going back to Latin, "removal, withdrawal, omission of words," from dētrahere "to detach by pulling, strip off, pull down, deprive of, speak ill (of)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action detract

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Detraction

Frequently Asked Questions about Detraction

What does "Detraction" mean?

"Detraction" means a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism, belittling, disparagement. As a noun, it is defined as: a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism, belittling, disparagement.

What is another word for "Detraction"?

Other words for "Detraction" include belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, diminishment, disparagement and put-down. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detraction" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detraction"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detraction". Common alternatives include belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, diminishment, disparagement and put-down.

What is the opposite of "Detraction"?

Antonyms of "Detraction" include aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification and magnification. Near antonyms include acclaim, praise, approbation and approval.

How do you use "Detraction" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detraction" in a sentence: "her inevitable detraction of every new idea is annoying to the other club members".

Is "Detraction" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detraction" is a noun.

Is "Detraction" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Detraction" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Detraction"?

"Detraction" is pronounced /di-ˈtrak-shən/ and divided into syllables as de·trac·tion.