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detached
/dɪˈtætʃt/
emotionally or physically separated
She felt detached from the conversation.
She felt emotionally distant or disconnected from what was being discussed.
general
Not connected or attached to something else; separate.
The garage is detached from the main house.
The garage is a separate structure not physically connected to the house.
Often used to describe physical separation or emotional distance.
psychology
Emotionally distant or indifferent.
He seemed detached from his own emotions.
He appeared emotionally unresponsive or disconnected from his feelings.
In psychology, this can describe a coping mechanism or a symptom of certain conditions.
Collocations
detached housea house that is not connected to other buildingsdetached garagea garage that is separate from the main housedetached attitudean emotionally distant or indifferent way of thinking
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Emotional Use
Be mindful of context—'detached' can describe physical separation (e.g., a detached house) or emotional distance (e.g., a detached attitude).
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Using 'detached' too frequently can make writing sound cold or impersonal.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'detachen,' from Old French 'détacher,' meaning 'to untie' or 'to release.'
Usage Notes
Can describe physical separation (e.g., a detached building) or emotional distance (e.g., a detached attitude).
Word Breakdown
de-
away from
prefix-tach
to touch or fasten
root-ed
past participle or adjective form
suffixEnglish Dictionary