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