B2verb 2K

Trace

🇬🇧 UK /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Trace

to find or discover somebody/something by looking carefully for them/it

In simple words: To follow or find the path of something

Trace in a sentence

• You can trace the outline of your drawing with a pencil.
• She decided to trace her family history for a school project.
• The detective was able to trace the origins of the mysterious package.
• He used a program to trace the paths of all the emails sent from that address.
• After the storm, they were able to trace their route back home using a map.
• You need to trace your finger along the dotted line to see where it goes.
• During the art class, we learned how to trace over a complicated design.
• The artist will trace the first sketch before painting it on canvas.
• He had to trace back his steps to find the lost wallet.
• The software can trace the structure of the code to make debugging easier.

How to use Trace

Use 'trace' when discussing following a path, like investigating. It's neutral; avoid in very casual contexts. Works well in technical or investigative discussions.

Grammar pattern

trace + object

Memory hint

Think of a pencil tracing an outline, leaving behind a clear path.

Related words

Collocations with Trace

• successfully
• be able to
• be unable to
• can
• to
• carefully
• easily
• directly
• can
• attempt to
• try to
• to
• gently
• lightly
• slowly
• with
• gently
• lightly
• slowly
• with
• gently
• lightly
• slowly
• with

Synonyms for Trace

• track down

Opposites of Trace

• erase
• lose
• ignore

Common mistakes with Trace

• Confused with 'trace' as in an outline vs 'trace' as in following
• Using 'trace' without specifying what is being traced
• Mixing up 'trace' with 'track' in wrong contexts

Frequently asked questions about Trace

What does Trace mean?

To follow or find the path of something

What is the definition of Trace?

to find or discover somebody/something by looking carefully for them/it

How do you use Trace in a sentence?

You can trace the outline of your drawing with a pencil.

Can you give another example of Trace?

She decided to trace her family history for a school project.

What are synonyms for Trace?

Common alternatives include track down.

What is the opposite of Trace?

Opposite meanings include erase, lose, ignore.

What words go with Trace?

It commonly pairs with successfully, be able to, be unable to, can, to, carefully, easily, directly, can, attempt to, try to, to, gently, lightly, slowly, with, gently, lightly, slowly, with, gently, lightly, slowly, with.

What are common mistakes when using Trace?

Confused with 'trace' as in an outline vs 'trace' as in following Using 'trace' without specifying what is being traced Mixing up 'trace' with 'track' in wrong contexts

How do you pronounce Trace?

US: /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Trace?

Use 'trace' when discussing following a path, like investigating. It's neutral; avoid in very casual contexts. Works well in technical or investigative discussions.

What CEFR level is Trace?

"Trace" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.