How Do You Spell SIDE-TRACKED?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪdtɹˈakt] (IPA)

The word "side-tracked" is spelled with a hyphen to indicate its derivation from the verb “to track”. The ‘e’ on the end of the first syllable is pronounced as a schwa (ə), while the ‘a’ in the second syllable is pronounced as a short ‘a’ (æ). The ‘k’ at the end of the root word “track” is retained, and the word is accented on the second syllable: /ˈsaɪd træk/. As an idiom, it means to be diverted from one's original purpose or course of action.

SIDE-TRACKED Meaning and Definition

1. Side-tracked is an adjective that refers to the state of being distracted or diverted from a main or intended course or goal. When someone is side-tracked, they have veered away from their intended focus or objective, often due to being enticed or distracted by something else. This term is commonly used to describe situations or individuals who experience a loss of concentration or purpose, causing them to deviate from their designated path.

   The term side-tracked can also be applied in a more literal sense, when someone is physically led off course or diverted from their original direction. For instance, if a person is walking down a street and their attention is momentarily captured by an interesting storefront or attractive display, they may become side-tracked and find themselves walking in a different direction than they had initially intended.

   In a figurative sense, being side-tracked can occur in various contexts, such as during a conversation where the topic strays from its original focus due to tangential or unrelated discussions. It can also be used to describe situations where someone's attention is derailed from their primary task or duty, resulting in a delay or disruption in their progress.

   Overall, being side-tracked implies a departure from the intended path or purpose, whether mentally or physically, which often leads to a delay or deviation from the original goal or objective.

Common Misspellings for SIDE-TRACKED

• sideptracked
• side0-tracked
• side-0tracked
• sidep-tracked
• side-ptracked
• side--tracked
• sidemtracked
• side-twracked

Etymology of SIDE-TRACKED

The word "side-tracked" originated from the combination of two separate words: "side" and "track".

The term "side" can be traced back to the Old English word "sīde", which means "a longitudinal division of something". It eventually evolved into Middle English as "side", maintaining its general sense of something that is not the focal point or main path.

The word "track" comes from the Middle English word "trak", which derived from the Old French word "trac", meaning "path" or "trail". Ultimately, it finds its roots in the Latin word "tractus", which translates to "drawing" or "pulling".

When these two words are combined, "side-tracked" shows the act of being diverted or deviated from the main course or topic, metaphorically resembling a train moving onto a secondary or alternate track.