Detraction vs. Retraction: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Detraction means diminishing the worth or value of something, often through criticism; retraction is the act of withdrawing a statement or accusation as untrue or unjustified.
Key Differences
Detraction involves diminishing someone's reputation, typically through disparaging remarks, whereas retraction is about formally withdrawing a previously made statement or claim. Detraction erodes esteem, while retraction corrects a previous assertion.
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Dec 07, 2023
In the context of communication, detraction usually manifests as criticism or belittlement, often unjustly so. On the other hand, retraction is a response to previous misinformation or an incorrect statement, aimed at setting the record straight.
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Dec 07, 2023
Detraction can be intentional or unintentional, where someone’s qualities or achievements are downplayed. Retraction, conversely, is a deliberate act, acknowledging a mistake in a previous statement or belief.
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Dec 07, 2023
Detraction often has a subjective element, colored by personal opinions or biases. Retraction, in contrast, is typically objective, based on factual errors or inaccuracies in previous statements.
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Dec 07, 2023
Detraction affects the perception of an individual, group, or thing negatively, while retraction aims to restore integrity or correctness to a previous communication or claim.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Relation to Truth
Not necessarily related to truth
Related to accuracy or truth
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Detraction and Retraction Definitions
Detraction
Detraction is the act of taking away from the value or esteem of someone or something.
His comments were a detraction from her accomplishments.
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Dec 07, 2023
Retraction
Retraction involves taking back a claim, often after realizing it's false.
After reviewing the evidence, she made a retraction of her accusation.
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Dec 07, 2023
Detraction
Detraction is the act of belittling or disparaging.
Her critique was more of a detraction than constructive feedback.
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Dec 07, 2023
Retraction
Retraction is the act of formally withdrawing a statement or opinion.
He issued a retraction of his previous comments due to factual errors.
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Dec 07, 2023
Detraction
Detraction refers to the undermining or devaluing of something.
The constant criticism was a detraction from the team's morale.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Retraction
Retraction is the process of recanting or disavowing a published statement.
The newspaper published a retraction of the erroneous article.
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Detraction
Detraction can mean diverting or distracting attention from something.
The scandal was a detraction from the real issues at hand.
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Dec 07, 2023
Retraction
Retraction refers to the act of pulling something back or in.
The turtle's retraction of its head into the shell was a defensive response.
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Dec 07, 2023
Detraction
Detraction involves lessening the merit or reputation of a person or thing.
The rumors served as a detraction to his character.
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Dec 07, 2023
Retraction
The act of recanting or disavowing a previously held statement or belief.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
A derogatory or damaging comment on a person's character or reputation; disparagement
The candidate responded sharply to the long list of detractions concocted by his opponent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
The act of detracting something, or something detracted; taking away; diminution.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
A derogatory or malicious statement; a disparagement, misrepresentation or slander.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
(Roman Catholic Church) The act of revealing previously unknown faults of another person to a third person.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
A statement printed or broadcast in a public forum which effects the withdrawal of an earlier assertion, and which concedes that the earlier assertion was in error.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
A taking away or withdrawing.
The detraction of the eggs of the said wild fowl.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
(mathematics) A continuous function from a topological space onto a subspace which is the identity on that subspace.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
The act of taking away from the reputation or good name of another; a lessening or cheapening in the estimation of others; the act of depreciating another, from envy or malice; calumny.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
The act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted; as, the retraction of a cat's claws.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
The act of withdrawing something advanced, stated, claimed, or done; declaration of change of opinion; recantation.
Other men's insatiable desire of revenge hath wholly beguiled both church and state of the benefit of all my either retractions or concessions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Detraction
The act of discrediting or detracting from someone's reputation (especially by slander);
Let it be no detraction from his merits to say he is plainspoken
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
The act of retracting or shortening; as, the retraction of a severed muscle; the retraction of a sinew.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
The act of pulling or holding or drawing a part back;
The retraction of the landing gear
Retraction of the foreskin
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Oct 19, 2023
Retraction
Retraction can be the withdrawal of a promise or offer.
The company's retraction of the job offer was unexpected.
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Dec 07, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does detraction affect individuals?
Detraction can harm an individual's reputation or self-esteem.
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Dec 07, 2023
Why might someone issue a retraction?
A retraction is often issued to correct misinformation or admit a mistake.
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Dec 07, 2023
What does retraction mean?
Retraction is withdrawing a statement or claim, especially when found to be false.
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Dec 07, 2023
Who typically issues retractions?
Retractions are usually issued by the entity or individual responsible for the original statement, such as a news organization or author.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can detraction be unintentional?
Yes, detraction can be unintentional, often arising from careless speech.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is detraction a common issue in the workplace?
Detraction can occur in workplaces, especially in cases of office gossip and interpersonal conflicts.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can a retraction fully undo the damage caused by false information?
A retraction can help mitigate damage, but the impact of false information may still linger.
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Dec 07, 2023
What is detraction?
Detraction is the act of disparaging or diminishing the worth of someone or something.
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Dec 07, 2023
How can one avoid detraction in communication?
Avoid making unfounded allegations, spreading unverified information, and focus on fair and factual communication.
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Dec 07, 2023
What are the consequences of detraction?
Detraction can damage relationships, tarnish reputations, and lead to legal consequences.
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Dec 07, 2023
What is an example of a retraction?
An example is a newspaper retracting a false report.
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Dec 07, 2023
How should a retraction be worded?
A retraction should be clear, concise, and admit the error or misinformation while offering a correct version of the facts.
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Dec 07, 2023
Are retractions a sign of responsible communication?
Yes, issuing a retraction demonstrates responsibility and a commitment to accuracy in communication.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can detraction be forgiven or rectified?
Detraction can be rectified by apologizing and retracting false statements, but its effects may linger.
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Dec 07, 2023
Are retractions common in journalism?
Yes, retractions are common in journalism when errors in reporting are identified.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is a retraction legally binding?
While a retraction can help mitigate legal consequences, it does not necessarily absolve one from legal liability if harm has already occurred.
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Dec 07, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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