Word
tracing
Phoneticstrac·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹeɪsɪŋ/
UK/tɹˈeɪsɪŋ/
Definitions
01copying a drawing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a copy of a drawing made by drawing over the lines on a piece of thin, clear paper.
n. a reproduction of an image created by following its outlines through translucent paper.
“The architect made a tracing of the original floor plan to show the new changes.”
“The student produced a precise tracing of the anatomical diagram, ensuring every delicate nerve ending was captured on the overlay.”
Antonyms
02finding or tracking
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of finding where something came from or where it went by following clues.
n. the process of identifying the origin, location, or history of something through systematic investigation.
“The tracing of the stolen money led the police to a small bank in another country.”
“The tracing of the virus's spread required an exhaustive analysis of international travel records and local contact patterns.”
Synonyms
03a machine graph
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a line or graph drawn by a machine that measures something, like a heartbeat or an earthquake.
n. a graphical record produced by a self-registering instrument such as a seismograph or electrocardiograph.
“The doctor looked at the tracing from the heart monitor to check for problems.”
“The seismologist examined the erratic tracing on the drum, noting that the primary waves indicated a significant tectonic shift nearby.”
Real-World Examples
“Tracing gold and iron is nearly impossible, the researchers wrote.” “However, tracing the path of the coins was only the first step.” Etymology
From Middle English tracyng; equivalent to trace + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/tracing