The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

A Primer of Good Usage

179

detract; distract. Detract = take away (some quality)

<His abrupt manner detracted from his effectiveness>.

Distract = divert <An accomplice distracted the cashier>.

device; devise. Device = a tool or apparatus <a handy

device>. Devise = to create or invent <devise a better

system>.

diff erent. Prefer different from over different than.

diff er from; diff er with. To differ from is simply to be dif-

ferent <Gross profi ts differ from net profi ts>; to differ

with is to disagree <I differ with you on that point>.

disburse. See disperse.

disclaim; declaim. 

Disclaim = deny or disavow <dis-

claim any knowledge of the report>. Declaim = to orate

<declaim against corruption>.

discrete; discreet. Discrete = distinct <three discrete ...