Detect — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈtekt/ de·tect

Meaning & Definition of Detect

Detect (verb)

  1. to discover the true character of
  2. to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
  3. demodulate

Detect (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to come upon after searching, study, or effort

    "I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup"

    similar: ascertain, descry, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up), ferret (out), find, find out, get, hit (on or upon), hunt (down or up), learn, locate, nose out, root (out), rout (out), rummage, run down, scare up, scout (up), track (down), turn up
    related: espy, sight, spot, look for, search (for or out), seek
    opposite: miss, overlook, pass over
    near: lose, mislay, misplace, misset

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detect

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detect:

ascertain, descry, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up), ferret (out), find, find out, get, hit (on or upon), hunt (down or up), learn, locate, nose out, root (out), rout (out), rummage, run down, scare up, scout (up), track (down), turn up

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detect

Words with the opposite meaning of Detect:

miss, overlook, pass over

Related Words for Detect

espy, sight, spot, look for, search (for or out), seek

Near Antonyms of Detect

lose, mislay, misplace, misset

Word Forms of Detect

Inflections: detected, detecting, detects

Derived words: detectability (noun), detectable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Detect

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover thatch

First known use: 1574t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Detect

Frequently Asked Questions about Detect

What does "Detect" mean?

"Detect" means to discover the true character of. As a verb, it is defined as: to discover the true character of.

What is another word for "Detect"?

Other words for "Detect" include ascertain, descry, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up) and ferret (out). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detect" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detect"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detect". Common alternatives include ascertain, descry, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up), ferret (out), find and find out.

What is the opposite of "Detect"?

Antonyms of "Detect" include miss, overlook and pass over. Near antonyms include lose, mislay, misplace and misset.

How do you use "Detect" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detect" in a sentence: "I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup".

Is "Detect" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detect" is a verb.

Is "Detect" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Detect" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Detect"?

"Detect" is pronounced /di-ˈtekt/ and divided into syllables as de·tect.