Distrait vs Distraught

Distrait vs Distraught

These two sound similar but have very different intensities.

Distrait

It means having one's attention diverted; preoccupied, absent-minded, or wandering in though. 

It is a mental state of being unfocused. There is no deep emotion her-just a lack of concentration.

• The professor was so distrait that he put his coffee cup in the refrigerator and walked off with the milk.
• She gave a distrait wave to her friend as she scrolled through her emails, not really paying attention.

Distraught

It means deeply upset, troubled due to emotional pain, worry, or grief.

It is an emotional state of extreme distress.

• She was distraught over the sudden death of her dog.
• The parents were distraught when their child went missing.

When to use:

Distrait 

Use Distrait when someone is mentally checked out but perfectly calm.

If you are just forgetful, daydreaming, or not paying attention because your mind is elsewhere. Then you can use distrait.

Distraught

Use distraught when someone is emotionally shattered and visibly upset.

If you are crying, panicking, shaking, or experiencing deep grief or anxiety, then you can use distraught.

In a nutshell

Distrait is mentally absent.

Distraught is deeply upset.

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