distraída

Distraída is a feminine adjective in Spanish that describes a person who is not paying attention or who has her mind elsewhere. It can indicate a momentary lapse in concentration or a habitual tendency to be inattentive. The term is commonly used in everyday speech to refer to someone who appears absent-minded, distracted by external stimuli such as a phone, thoughts, or other concerns. Depending on context and tone, it can be neutral or mildly pejorative.

Etymology and grammar: distraída is derived from the verb distraer, meaning to distract. It comes from Latin distrahere, “to draw apart.” The feminine form is distraída; the masculine form is distraído. As an adjective, it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (una persona distraída, una idea distraída, etc.). It can also function as a noun in some contexts, though this usage is less common and can carry a pejorative edge (la distraída).

Usage and nuance: distraída often conveys temporary or context-specific inattention, as in estar distraída durante la clase o en una conversación. It can also describe a habitual trait, but in that sense may imply a stereotype or criticism. Synonyms include despistada, desatenta, or olvidadiza; antonyms are atenta, concentrada, present, or enfocada.

Examples:

- Está distraída porque estaba mirando su teléfono.

- Es una persona distraída; suele perder las llaves.

- Cuando está concentrada, deja de sentirse distraída.

See also: distraer, distraído, despistado, desatento.