despistada

Despistada is a feminine Spanish adjective used to describe a person, typically a woman, who is distracted, absent-minded, or prone to lapses of attention. It can refer to someone who seems not to be fully present in the moment, who daydreams, or who frequently loses track of objects or directions. The masculine form is despistado, and despistada can also function as a colloquial noun meaning a scatterbrained person.

Etymology and sense evolution: the verb despistar means to mislead or throw off the track, and by extension to derail one’s attention. From this root, despistada conveys a cognitive or perceptual detachment rather than a deliberate action. The term is widely understood across Spanish-speaking countries and appears in informal speech as well as in writing, with varying degrees of affection or mild criticism depending on tone.

Regional usage and connotation: despistada is common in Latin American Spanish and in many parts of Spain. Depending on context and intonation, it can be neutral, endearing, or mildly pejorative. It is often used interchangeably with distraída, though despistada emphasizes momentary lapses rather than a habitual trait.

Related terms: synonyms include distraído, distraída, ausente, desorientado, and olvidadizo. Antonyms include centrado, atento, concentrado, and enfocado.

Usage notes: forms vary by gender and number (despistado/despistada, despistados/despistadas). Common expressions include estar despistado/a, tener despistes, or hacer un despiste. Example: “Hoy estoy despistada; no encuentro mis llaves.”