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mental distraction

[/ˈmɛntəl dɪˈstrækʃən/]
nounpl: mental distractions
distração mental
1. A lack of concentration or focus caused by something that diverts attention from the task at hand
The loud noise was a mental distraction during the exam.
O barulho alto era uma distração mental durante a prova.
2. An activity or thought that takes one's mind away from work or responsibilities
Reading a book can be a pleasant mental distraction from daily stress.
Ler um livro pode ser uma distração mental agradável do estresse diário.
3. A state of absent-mindedness or inattention
He suffered from mental distraction and made several mistakes at work.
Ele sofria de distração mental e cometeu vários erros no trabalho.
NYC Slang
spacing out, zoning out
Synonyms
absent-mindednessinattentionlack of focuspreoccupationmental fog
Antonyms
concentrationfocusattentionmindfulnessattentiveness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
distração mental
Most common term used in everyday speech
São Paulo
falta de concentração
Often used interchangeably with distração mental
Portugal
distração mental
Standard usage, same as Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

lose concentration
have one's mind elsewhere
be in a daze
ter a cabeça noutro lugar (Portuguese idiom)
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