Distractor vs. Distracter: The Correct Spellings

When it comes to the words "distractor" and "distracter," both spellings exist, but "distractor" is the more prevalent form in American English. Historically, the suffix "-or" is used in English to transform verbs into agents (like "actor" or "editor"), making "distractor" align with this convention. There's a rich history of words with the "-er" and "-or" endings, and over time, certain forms become standardized based on usage patterns.

The word has its roots in the verb "distract," meaning to divert or draw away attention. Its other forms include "distracting" and "distracted."

A helpful way to remember the more common spelling "distractor" is to think of the word "tractor" – a vehicle that can pull or divert things from one direction to another.

Incorrect: Distractor is the noise coming from the other room.

Correct: Distracter is the noise coming from the other room.

Incorrect: She used a distractor during the test to cheat.

Correct: She used a distracter during the test to cheat.

Incorrect: Many teachers use distractors in multiple-choice questions.

Correct: Many teachers use distracters in multiple-choice questions.

Incorrect: The bright lights served as a distractor during the performance.

Correct: The bright lights served as a distracter during the performance.

Incorrect: A loud distractor interrupted our meeting.

Correct: A loud distracter interrupted our meeting.

Distracter refers to a stimulus or item that diverts attention from the main target or focus.

Distracter is something introduced to divert focus or attention from the main subject or topic.

Distracter pertains to any factor or agent that causes distraction.

Distracter can be an agent or thing causing disturbance or trouble.

Distracter describes an option among several in a multiple-choice item on a test.

One of the incorrect answers presented as a choice in a multiple-choice test.

That which distracts, or serves as a distraction.

Any of the incorrect answers in a multiple-choice question, serving to distract from the correct answer.

One who, or that which, distracts away.

No, both "distractor" and "distracter" are valid, but "distractor" is more commonly used in American English.

The use might be influenced by personal preference or exposure to different written materials. However, "distractor" is more common in American English.

The opposite would be something that focuses or centralizes attention, but there isn't a direct antonym in English.

"Distracter" originates from the verb "distract," which means to divert or draw away attention.

Yes, other forms related to the word include "distracting" and "distracted."

Not necessarily. The word simply denotes something that diverts attention. It can be used in neutral, positive, or negative contexts based on the situation.

"Distracter" or "distractor" is commonly used in education, especially in the context of test design, as well as in psychology and research.

In American English, it's safer to use "distractor." If following specific style guides or writing for certain audiences, it might be worth checking their preference.

"Distracter" often refers to stimuli or items that divert attention, especially in contexts like multiple-choice exams.

While both forms exist, "distractor" is more prevalent in American English, and "distracter" might be encountered in older texts or British English.