Word
detect
Phoneticsde·tect, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈtɛkt/
UK/dɪtˈɛkt/
Definitions
01to discover or notice
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to find or notice something that is not easy to see, hear, or smell.
v. to discover or identify the presence or existence of something subtle or hidden. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“The test can detect very small amounts of sugar in the blood.”
“Modern sensors are capable of detecting minute changes in atmospheric pressure long before a storm becomes visible to the naked eye.”
02to work as a detective
C2 · Proficiency Informal
v. to work on a mystery or solve a crime like a detective.
v. to perform the duties of a detective or engage in investigative work. Intransitive — used without a direct object.
“He spent the weekend detecting, trying to find out who ate the last cookie.”
“The retired officer couldn't resist the urge to go detecting when he noticed the suspicious patterns in the local property records.”
Usage
This sense is often used playfully or in the context of hobbyist investigation.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “detect” in context.
Verb
01. detect difference
“The new software is sensitive enough to detect even a slight difference in the audio quality.”
verb + noun
02. detect effect
“Scientists were unable to detect any long-term effect of the medication on the patients.”
verb + noun
03. detect pattern
“Analysts use complex algorithms to detect a pattern in the fluctuating stock market prices.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“In addition to space flight, researchers were developing tools to detect the radio signals that reach us from stars many light years away.” “These are cases in which life exists, or once existed, but scientists fail to detect it.” “Using a newly developed technique that can detect signs of burning in fossilized bones, researchers identified repeated evidence of fire deep inside the cave.” Etymology
From Latin detectus, perfect passive participle of detegere (“to uncover or disclose”), from de- + tegere (“to cover”); see tegument, tile, thatch.
Back-formation from detective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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