detached
/dɪˈtætʃt/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈtætʃt/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈtacht dē-/ (ame, mw)
detached — adjective
- detachedpositive
- more detachedcomparative
- most detachedsuperlative
1. No longer fixed or fastened to the object or surface it was previously joined to
No longer fixed or fastened to the object or surface it was previously joined to; having come loose or been pulled apart.
The old brass handle came completely detached from the wooden door after years of use.
collocation: come detached from [something]
During the storm, several roof tiles became detached and landed in the garden below.
passive: became detached
A loose wire had become detached from the circuit board, so the radio would not turn on.
The label was now partially detached from the jar because the glue had dried out completely.
The doctor explained that the retina in her left eye had become detached and would need surgery.
- separated
more general; does not imply a prior physical fastening
- disconnected
suggests something that was linked by wires or tubes
- unfastened
more specific to things that were tied, buttoned, or clipped together
用法筆記
Common in medical and mechanical contexts. Often used in the pattern 'become detached from' to describe something that has come loose.
常見錯誤
2. Used to describe a house or building that stands entirely on its own, with open
Used to describe a house or building that stands entirely on its own, with open space on all sides and no shared walls with neighbouring properties.
After ten years in a flat, the family finally moved into a detached house with a garden.
house type: detached vs flat
The agent showed them three options: a flat, a semi-detached house, and a fully detached property.
housing categories contrast
The Patel family's new home is a large white detached house on the corner with a bright red front door.
Detached houses tend to cost more than terraced homes in most British towns and cities.
The street was lined with tall Victorian detached houses, each set back behind a small lawn.
- free-standing
more general; describes any structure that stands alone
- standalone
used for buildings or devices that operate independently
- semi-detached
a house that shares one wall with a neighbouring house
- terraced
a house that is part of a row of joined houses
- attached
joined to another building on one or more sides
用法筆記
Primarily used in British English to describe housing types. Contrasts with 'semi-detached' (sharing one wall) and 'terraced' (sharing walls on both sides). Almost always used attributively before 'house' or 'property'.
常見錯誤
3. Showing or feeling little interest or emotional connection in a situation, as if
Showing or feeling little interest or emotional connection in a situation, as if observing from a distance rather than taking part.
Throughout the entire meeting, Keira remained detached and would not share her thoughts.
modifier: remained detached
The nurse's voice sounded cold and detached as she read the test results aloud.
sounded + adjective describing tone
Amara listened to her friend's story but felt strangely detached from the conversation.
Kwame described the car crash in a flat, detached way, as though it had happened to a stranger.
The teacher seemed oddly detached from the students' excitement about the upcoming trip.
- aloof
more negative; suggests someone considers themselves superior
- distant
broader; can describe emotional or physical distance
- uninvolved
suggests a deliberate choice not to participate
用法筆記
Describes a manner, tone, or attitude in a specific moment, not a permanent personality trait. Carries a slightly negative or worrying connotation — implies the person is choosing not to engage.
常見錯誤
4. Making decisions or forming opinions based on facts and evidence alone, without
Making decisions or forming opinions based on facts and evidence alone, without being swayed by your own emotions, preferences, or loyalties.
A good judge must stay detached from the personal stories of both sides in the courtroom.
collocation: stay detached from [personal stories/prejudice]
Omar tried to take a detached view of the argument between his two colleagues.
The journalist's article offered a calm, detached analysis of a highly emotional political debate.
Scientific research must remain as detached as possible from corporate funding pressures.
Fatima stepped back to give the disagreement a more detached look, setting her feelings aside.
- biased
having an unfair preference for one side
- prejudiced
judging based on preconceived opinions, not facts
- partial
favouring one side over another unfairly
用法筆記
More formal than sense 3. Describes a deliberate, principled stance rather than a lack of feeling. Frequently used in professional, academic, and legal contexts. Stronger than 'neutral' — implies conscious effort to set bias aside.