distrait
UK: dɪˈstreɪ | US: dɪˈstreɪ
adj. distracted or absent-minded, especially due to anxiety or preoccupation
distrait = dis<apart> + trait<pulled, drawn>
- dis (Latin prefix): "apart" or "away," indicating separation or negation.
- trait (Old French, from Latin tractus): "pulled" or "drawn," derived from trahere ("to pull").
Etymology Origin:
Borrowed from French distrait (past participle of distraire, "to distract"), the word entered English in the 18th century. It originally described someone whose attention was "pulled apart" (dis- + trait), reflecting a state of mental scattering. Unlike "distracted," distrait often carries a nuanced sense of elegant preoccupation, historically associated with aristocratic absent-mindedness.
The professor appeared distrait during the lecture, frequently losing his train of thought.
Her distrait manner suggested she was grappling with a private worry.
He gave a distrait nod, his eyes fixed on some distant concern.
The diplomat’s distrait replies hinted at the gravity of the situation.
Even at the party, she remained distrait, her thoughts elsewhere.