trace - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

trace

to find someone or something, often by following a series of clues or evidenceto find someone or something, often by following a series of clues or evidence

Synonyms

1 / 6

trace

Third Person

traces

Present Participle

tracing

Past Tense

traced

Past Participle

traced

1

to find someone or something, often by following a series of clues or evidence

transitive

The detectives traced the stolen artwork to an underground art market.
The archaeologist frequently traces ancient civilizations through the study of artifacts.
They recently traced the hacker's IP address to a foreign country.
Can you please trace the phone number to identify the caller?
The investigators recently traced the counterfeit money to a local printing shop.

Synonyms:

2

to carefully copy or reproduce a design or image by following its lines or contours onto another surface, typically using transparent sheet

transitive

She traced the drawing onto a new piece of paper using a pencil.
She used a transparent sheet to trace the design for her project.
The student traced the shapes to practice drawing more accurately.
He traced the outline of the map to create a new version.
She traced the contours of the landscape to add detail to her artwork.

Synonyms:

draw describe line delineate

3

to find someone or something by searching for them

transitive

The detective traced the missing person after weeks of searching.
After a long search, he traced his childhood friend online.
The detective traced the criminal across the city.
He traced his lost luggage through the airport system.
She traced the lost keys all around the house.

Synonyms:

4

to draw a line or pattern using your finger or toe

transitive

She traced a heart on the foggy window with her finger.
He traced the shape of the letter with his toe in the sand.
He traced a pattern in the dust while waiting.
He playfully traced patterns on her back with his finger.
He traced a zigzag pattern across the surface.

5

to follow a specific path or route

transitive

The hikers traced the mountain trail to the summit.
We decided to trace the old road through the forest.
They traced the river’s course to find the source.
She traced the path of the comet across the night sky.
The archaeologists traced the ancient trade routes across the desert.

6

to research or follow the history or development of something

transitive

The historian traced the origins of the ancient civilization.
She traced the development of the technology over the last century.
They traced the family’s ancestry back to the 1600s.
He traced the evolution of the language through old manuscripts.
The researcher traced the history of the company from its founding.