B2verb2K

Trace

UK /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/US /["/treɪs/","/ˈtreɪsɪz/","/treɪst/","/ˈtreɪsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • track down

Antonyms

  • erase
  • lose
  • ignore

Common mistakes

  • 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