What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
absentminded
Example
I'm sorry, I forgot your name. I can be quite absentminded sometimes. [absentminded: adjective]
Example
She walked into the room and absentmindedly sat down without realizing she was in the wrong meeting. [absentmindedly: adverb]
distracted
Example
I'm sorry, can you repeat that? I was distracted by the noise outside. [distracted: adjective]
Example
He tried to study, but his mind kept getting distracted by his phone notifications. [distracted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distracted is more commonly used than absentminded in everyday language. Distracted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while absentminded is less common and refers to a specific type of inattention.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between absentminded and distracted?
Both absentminded and distracted can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but absentminded may be considered slightly more formal due to its less frequent use.
