ENGLISH
REFERENCE

detected

v. · adj.
US //dɪˈtɛktəd// UK //dɪtˈɛktɪd// de·tect·ed
  1. 1 to notice or discover (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have found or noticed something that was hard to see or hidden.

    to have discovered or identified the presence of something, especially something subtle, hidden, or faint.

    Example

    The security system detected a small movement in the hallway late at night.

    Example

    The laboratory equipment detected trace amounts of the chemical in the water supply, prompting an immediate investigation by the local authorities.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice when describing scientific or criminal findings.
  2. 2 having been noticed (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing something that has been seen or found by a person or a machine.

    referring to an object, signal, or quality that has been successfully identified or perceived.

    Example

    The error remained detected but uncorrected for several weeks.

    Example

    Once the signal was detected, the researchers began the process of triangulating its point of origin across the desert.

    Usage

    Usually functions as a predicative adjective or within a passive construction.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners should be aware that 'undetected' is actually more common as a standalone adjective than 'detected'.

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