detect
Other forms: detected; detecting; detects
The verb detect means to discover or observe the existence of something. If you walk into your house and detect the odor of burnt food, you can deduce from the evidence that you will be going out to dinner tonight!
The verb detect comes from the Latin word detegere, which literally means "to uncover" — or more figuratively, to discover. You may detect the presence of a new dog in your house if you note a water bowl, chew toys, and grooming tools. Of course, the large woofing beast that greeted you at the door with a wagging tail might be a big clue as well.
Definitions of detect
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discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of“She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water”
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types:
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catch out, find out
trap; especially in an error or in a reprehensible act
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sense
detect some circumstance or entity automatically
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instantiate
find an instance of (a word or particular usage of a word)
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trace
discover traces of
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see
observe as if with an eye
Pronunciation
US
/dɪˈtɛkt/
UK
/dɪˈtɛkt/
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘detect'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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