detract
Translation
to detract, to take away from, to diminish
Examples
The scratches detract from the value of the car.
The scratches detract from the value of the car.
His bad attitude detracts from his good work.
His bad attitude detracts from his good work.
Grammar Patterns
to detract ((from sth.)) to make (sth.) seem less valuable or impressive The scratches detract from the value of the car.
Similar Words
Synonyms: diminish, lessen, reduce; Antonyms: enhance, increase, add to
Etymology
From Latin 'detrahere', from 'de-' (down, away) + 'trahere' (to draw, pull). The idea is to 'pull away' or 'draw down' from something's value.
Memory Tips
Imagine it 'de-tracts' or pulls away from the main point or value.