Definition

In a way that causes someone to lose focus or attention.

Example

The loud music was distractingly loud during the meeting.

Conversation

I found that movie really good, but the background music was distractingly loud.

I noticed that too! It made it hard to focus on the dialogue.

Exactly! I wish they had toned it down a bit.

Yeah, it really took away from the overall experience.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Distractingly → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "tract" (from Latin "tractus", meaning to pull or draw). The suffix "-ingly" indicates a manner of action. The word "distractingly" means in a manner that pulls attention away or causes distraction.

Memory Tip

Think of something that pulls your focus 'apart' ('dis-') from what you should be doing — that's why distractingly means in a way that causes distraction.

Visually Confused Words