English Lexicon

Detractor

/dɪˈtræk.tər/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A person who criticizes something or someone, often unfairly.

    "Despite the detractors, the artist continued to pursue her vision."
  2. 2

    A person who detracts from the worth or importance of something.

    "His detractors claimed that his achievements were exaggerated."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'detractor', from 'detractare' (to detract, disparage), combining 'de-' (down, away) and 'tractare' (to draw, drag). Entering Middle English in the 15th century via Old French, the term originally referred to one who disparages someone's reputation, evolving in modern business contexts to describe dissatisfied customers who actively discourage others from using a service.

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