B1verb2K

Locate

UK /["/ləʊˈkeɪt/","/ləʊˈkeɪts/","/ləʊˈkeɪtɪd/","/ləʊˈkeɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈləʊkeɪt/","/ˈləʊkeɪts/","/ˈləʊkeɪtɪd/","/ˈləʊkeɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to find the exact position of somebody/something

In simple words: to find a place or position of something

Examples

  • Can you locate the nearest gas station?
  • The detective had to locate the missing person quickly.
  • They used a map to locate the treasure buried in the ground.
  • The service will help you locate local restaurants based on your preferences.
  • After some searching, I was finally able to locate my lost keys.

Usage notes

Used in both written and spoken English. It's appropriate in everyday conversation, academic contexts, and instruction. Avoid in overly casual settings like chatting among friends.

Grammar pattern

locate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'locate' as 'low-cate' — imagine looking low for your lost item.

Collocations

  • accurately
  • correctly
  • precisely
  • be able to
  • be unable to
  • can
  • centrally
  • conveniently
  • ideally
  • at
  • between
  • close to

Synonyms

  • site

Antonyms

  • lose
  • misplace

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'relocate' which means to move something to a new place.
  • Using 'locate' when 'find' would be simpler.
  • Confusing the spelling with similar words like 'location.'