What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misdirection
Example
The magician used misdirection to make the audience focus on his left hand while he performed the trick with his right hand. [misdirection: noun]
Example
The politician used misdirection to avoid answering the question directly. [misdirection: noun]
distraction
Example
The noise outside was a distraction while I was trying to study. [distraction: noun]
Example
I find reading a book to be a good distraction from my worries. [distraction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distraction is more commonly used than misdirection in everyday language. Distraction is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while misdirection is less common and is typically associated with magic tricks or deception.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misdirection and distraction?
Both misdirection and distraction can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, misdirection may be more formal due to its association with deception and magic tricks.
