Meaning of the word trace in English

What does trace mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

trace

US /treɪs/

UK /treɪs/

a mark, object, or sign left by the passage or existence of a person, animal, or thing

Example:

•

The police found no trace of the suspect.

•

There was a faint trace of smoke in the air.

Synonym:

mark sign vestige remnant footprint

a very small quantity, especially of something that is difficult to detect

Example:

•

There was only a trace of poison in the sample.

•

He spoke with a faint trace of an accent.

Synonym:

hint suggestion touch dash smidgen

find or discover by investigation

Example:

•

Police are trying to trace the owner of the abandoned car.

•

Can you trace the source of this problem?

Synonym:

track follow detect locate uncover

copy (a drawing, map, or design) by drawing over its lines on a superimposed piece of transparent paper

Example:

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She carefully traced the outline of the drawing.

•

He used tracing paper to trace the map.

Synonym:

copy draw over outline sketch