Correct spelling, explanation: the term destruction is derived from the Latin word destruere, which is a combination of two elements: de-, meaning down or away, and struere meaning to build or to construct. Thus, destruere literally means to tear down or to pull apart. As a noun, the word destruction refers to the act or process of causing severe damage, ruin, or devastation to something, resulting in its disintegration or loss of its original form or function. You can’t spell it as distraction, because it’s a completely different noun.
Definition of destruction:
noun, the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired
The earthquake caused widespread destruction, leaving buildings in ruins and displacing thousands of people.
The army strategized to minimize collateral destruction while targeting enemy installations during the military operation.
Collocations with destruction:
Some most commonly used collocations include:
1. Complete destruction: refers to the total or thorough devastation of something.
The fire resulted in the complete destruction of the historic building.
2. Mass destruction: describes the widespread and extensive devastation caused by a catastrophic event or weapon.
The use of chemical weapons led to mass destruction and loss of life.
3. Senseless destruction: indicates destruction that lacks purpose or reason and is often seen as unnecessary or tragic.
Vandalizing public property shows senseless destruction of community resources.
4. Environmental destruction: pertains to the degradation and harm caused to natural ecosystems and the environment.
Deforestation is a major contributor to environmental destruction.
Correct spelling, explanation: the word distraction originates from the Latin verb distrahere, which is a combination of two elements: dis-, meaning apart or away, and trahere meaning to draw or to pull. Distrahere means to draw apart or to pull away. Over time, the Latin word distrahere was adopted into Middle English as distraction or distraiccioun, and it eventually evolved into the modern English word distraction. As you can see, both of these words – destruction and distraction – are correct and commonly used in the English language. Due to their similarity, you must be careful not to confuse them.
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