detect
dih-TEKT
/dɪˈtekt/
To discover or identify the presence or existence of something.
Implies finding something that is hidden or not easily seen.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'detegere', which literally means 'to un-roof' or 'to uncover' (de- 'un' + tegere 'to cover').
Word relationships
- discover: Discover is broader; detect often involves using a tool or keen observation.
- discern: Discern implies mental recognition, while detect is more about physical discovery.
- overlook: To fail to notice something.
- ignore: To intentionally not notice something.
Commonly confused with
- identify: Detect is the act of finding; identify is the act of naming what was found.
Word family
- detection (noun): The action or process of identifying something.
- detector (noun): A device used to find something.
Collocations
- detect early
- detect a pattern
- detect presence
- detect abnormalities
Example sentences
- "Early screening programs are designed to detect cancer before symptoms even appear." Medical screening
- "I could detect no change in his manner." Literature
Memory hook
A detective 'uncovers' the truth. Uncover the hidden.
When not to use
Don't use 'detect' for obvious things (e.g., 'I detected the sun was out').
Fun facts
- The word 'detective' wasn't used until the 1840s, long after 'detect' was common.
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