Pronunciation

/dɪˈtekt/

Definitions

Noun

1. Detection: The act of discovering or recognizing something, especially by using senses or equipment. For example: “The detector picked up the faint signal.”
2. Officer: A person who is responsible for detecting or preventing criminal activity. For example: “The detective was known for his sharp instincts.”
3. Skill or ability: The faculty of perceiving, identifying, or sensing something. For example: “She had a natural detective’s eye for detail.”

Verb

1. To perceive or identify the presence, occurrence, or existence of something. For example: “He detected a change in her voice.”
2. To trace or follow the clues to find out the truth or the source of something. For example: “The detective worked tirelessly to detect the murderer’s motives.”

Phrases

• “Detect a pattern” means to notice a regular sequence or structure.
• “Detect a lie” implies having the ability to tell if someone is not telling the truth.
• “Detective work” refers to the process of investigation and detection.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The security system was designed to detect intruders.”
• Verb: “The detective carefully analyzed the crime scene to detect any overlooked evidence.”
• Verb: “She could detect the tension between her colleagues.”

Synonyms

• Recognize
• Identify
• Sense
• Perceive
• Uncover
• Spot
• Recognise (British spelling)
• Identify (British spelling)
• Sense (British spelling)