Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɛkt/

Definitions of detect

noun a person whose job is to discover or identify something

Example Sentences

A1 I used a metal detector to find buried treasure.

A2 The smoke detector went off when there was a fire in the building.

B1 The security system was able to detect the intruder entering the building.

B2 The detective was able to detect a clue that led to the solving of the case.

C1 The scientist used a microscope to detect the presence of bacteria in the sample.

C2 The advanced technology was able to detect even the smallest changes in the environment.

verb to discover or identify the presence of something

Example Sentences

A1 I can detect a faint smell of cookies baking in the kitchen.

A2 The security system is designed to detect any movement in the area.

B1 The doctor was able to detect the early stages of the disease during the check-up.

B2 The forensic team used advanced technology to detect traces of DNA at the crime scene.

C1 The scientist's research aims to detect subtle changes in climate patterns over time.

C2 The sophisticated equipment was able to detect even the smallest fluctuations in the data.

Examples of detect in a Sentence

formal The sophisticated equipment was able to detect even the smallest traces of the substance.

informal I can detect a hint of sarcasm in your tone.

slang I could detect some shady business going on in that alley.

figurative Her keen intuition allowed her to detect the underlying emotions behind his words.

Grammatical Forms of detect

past tense

detected

plural

detects

comparative

more detectable

superlative

most detectable

present tense

detect

future tense

will detect

perfect tense

have detected

continuous tense

is detecting

singular

detect

positive degree

detect

infinitive

to detect

gerund

detecting

participle

detected

Origin and Evolution of detect

First Known Use: 1400 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'detect' originated from the Latin word 'detectus', which is the past participle of 'detegere' meaning 'uncover' or 'expose'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'detect' has evolved to encompass the act of discovering or identifying something hidden or obscure, especially through careful examination or investigation.