Trace

To find or discover something by investigation or searching, To outline or draw the shape or pattern of something, A very small amount or indication of something, To follow a path or trail left by someone or something

Trace - Meanings

To find or discover something by investigation or searching

Example: The detectives traced the missing person's whereabouts through security camera footage.

Usage: formalContext: investigations, research

Note: Commonly used in professional and academic contexts.

To outline or draw the shape or pattern of something

Example: She traced a heart on the sand with a stick.

Usage: informalContext: art, crafts

Note: Often used in creative activities like drawing or crafting.

A very small amount or indication of something

Example: There was just a trace of garlic in the pasta sauce.

Usage: formalContext: food, chemistry

Note: Commonly used to describe minute quantities or hints of something.

To follow a path or trail left by someone or something

Example: The hikers traced their way back to the campsite.

Usage: formalContext: outdoor activities, tracking

Note: Often used in outdoor or survival contexts.

Trace's synonyms

track

To track means to follow or monitor the progress or path of something or someone.

Example: The detective carefully followed the track left by the suspect.

Note: While 'trace' can refer to a mark or sign left by something, 'track' emphasizes the act of following or monitoring.

outline

To outline means to sketch or draw the outer edges of something, or to give a summary or general idea of something.

Example: She outlined the main points of her presentation before starting.

Note: While 'trace' can refer to a faint mark or sign, 'outline' emphasizes the act of sketching or summarizing.

detect

To detect means to discover or identify something that is hidden or not easily noticeable.

Example: The scientist was able to detect a faint signal from the experiment.

Note: While 'trace' can refer to following a path or mark, 'detect' emphasizes the act of discovering or identifying something hidden.

Trace expressions, common phrases

Trace back

To retrace one's steps or path to locate or remember something.

Example: We traced back our steps to find the lost keys.

Note: The phrase 'trace back' emphasizes the act of retracing steps or sequences.

Trace of

A small indication or evidence of something's existence or a past event.

Example: There was no trace of the missing hikers in the forest.

Note: This phrase implies a small amount or indication of something rather than a complete presence.

Trace out

To carefully follow and map out a path or course of action.

Example: The detective traced out the suspect's movements on a map.

Note: It involves the detailed mapping or outlining of a path or plan.

Trace over

To draw or copy over something using a transparent sheet or similar method.

Example: The artist traced over the pencil sketch with ink.

Note: This phrase involves copying or transferring an image or design onto another surface.

Without a trace

Completely disappearing or leaving no evidence behind.

Example: The criminal vanished without a trace, leaving no clues behind.

Note: It signifies a complete absence or disappearance without any indication left behind.

Trace elements

Very small amounts of a substance that are present in something.

Example: The soil contained trace elements of magnesium and zinc.

Note: In this context, 'trace' refers to minute quantities of elements rather than the act of following or outlining.

Trace paper

A thin, translucent paper used for drawing or drafting.

Example: Architects use trace paper to make sketches over existing plans.

Note: It refers to a specific type of paper used in drawing or drafting rather than following or identifying something.

Trace everyday (slang) expressions

Trace through

To carefully examine or review something in detail, often line by line.

Example: I will trace through the document to find any errors.

Note: Highlights the meticulous process of examining thoroughly, similar to 'trace' but with emphasis on thoroughness.

Trace down

To track or search for the whereabouts of something or someone.

Example: We need to trace down the missing package to locate it.

Note: Involves actively seeking and locating something or someone, a more proactive use compared to the general 'trace.'

Trace - Examples

Trace the outline of your hand on the paper.

The detective tried to trace the suspect's movements.

The car left no trace of its presence.

Trace grammar

Trace - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: trace

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): traces, trace

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): trace

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): traced

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): tracing

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): traces

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): trace

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): trace

Syllabification and Stress

trace Contains 1 syllables: trace

Phonetic transcription: ˈtrās

trace , ˈtrās (The red syllable is stressed)

Trace - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

trace: ~ 2900 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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