afleiden — meaning in English: to distract

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to distract

veranderen

diner

waarom

afleiden

taxi

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Dutch for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'afleiden' in both casual conversations and more serious discussions, especially when talking about focus and concentration. For instance, a teacher might say, 'Probeer je niet te laten afleiden door geluiden buiten' (Try not to be distracted by noises outside), while friends might jokingly remark, 'Die film was zo slecht dat het me alleen maar afleidde' (That movie was so bad it only distracted me).

Synonyms & nuances

'Afleiden' can be closely related to 'afleiden van', which specifically means 'to distract from'. While 'afleiden' can refer to general distraction, 'afleiden van' implies a focus on what is being distracted away from, adding a layer of specificity that can be important in conversations about attention.

Culture

'Afleiden' originates from the Dutch word 'leid', which means 'to lead' or 'to guide'. This word reflects a fascinating aspect of Dutch culture, emphasizing the importance of focus and engagement in both work and leisure. In Dutch society, distractions are often seen as obstacles to productivity, which has led to the popularity of various techniques and tools aimed at minimizing distractions in everyday life.

FAQ

Q.What does 'afleiden' mean in English?

'Afleiden' translates to 'to distract' in English. It is commonly used in contexts where someone's attention is being diverted from a task or focus.

Q.How is 'afleiden' used in everyday conversation?

'Afleiden' is frequently used in both personal and professional contexts. You might hear it when someone is trying to maintain concentration on a task but is interrupted by noise or unexpected events.

Q.Are there different forms of 'afleiden' in Dutch grammar?

'Afleiden' is a verb and can be conjugated in various tenses. For example, the past tense is 'afgeleid', and the present participle is 'afleidend'. It's important to use the correct form based on the context to convey the right timing of the distraction.

Learn dutch with Maspeak →

Dutch Vocabulary