B2verb 2K

Detect

UK //dɪˈtɛkt// US //dɪˈtɛkt// Pronunciation

Definition

To discover or identify the presence of something.

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In simple words: To notice or discover something

Examples

• The scientist was able to detect the virus in the sample.
• They used special equipment to detect any signs of life.
• It's important to detect problems early in the project.
• He can detect a lie just by looking at someone's eyes.
• The smoke alarm is designed to detect smoke and trigger an alarm.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. Avoid using in very casual speech.

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Grammar pattern

detect + object

Memory hint

Think of a detective who can detect clues.

Collocations

• detect a signal
• detect a problem
• detect changes

Synonyms

• discover
• identify
• spot
• recognize
• observe

Antonyms

• miss
• ignore

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'detective', which refers to a person, not the action.
• Using intransitively; 'detect' requires an object.