detect Meaning & Definition
What Does Detect Mean?
Detect is a verb that means to discover the true character of. It is also used to mean to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of.
Detect: Key Facts
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /di-ˈtekt/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | observe, find and notice |
| Antonyms | miss, overlook and pass over |
| Verb forms | detects, detecting, detected |
Detect Definition (Verb)
- to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
- to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood / Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
- demodulate
- to work as a detective
Synonyms of Detect
Antonyms of Detect
Detect in a Sentence
The forensic examiners detected tiny traces of the poison on the suspect's gloves.
On entering the room, I immediately detected the smell of gas.
detecting drug smugglers
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup
detect alcohol in the blood / Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
Word Forms & Grammar
de·tect·ed
de·tect·ing
de·tects
de·tect·abil·i·ty noun
de·tect·able adjective
detect
detectabilities
detectability
detectable
detected
detecting
detects
detect (third-person singular simple present detects, present participle detecting, simple past and past participle detected)
detect (not comparable)
Words That Rhyme With Detect
Origin of Detect
Origin 1: Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover thatch
Origin 2: From Latin detectus, perfect passive participle of detegere (“to uncover or disclose”), from de- + tegere (“to cover”); see tegument, tile, thatch.
Origin 3: Sense "to work or solve cases as a detective" a back-formation from detective.
First Known Use
1574t
Pronouncing Detect
The standard pronunciation of detect is /di-ˈtekt/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (tekt).
Common Questions About Detect
What part of speech is detect?
Detect is a verb.
What is another word for detect?
You can replace detect with words such as observe, find and notice. See the full list of detect synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of detect?
The opposite of detect can be expressed with words like miss, overlook, pass over and lose.
What is the past tense of detect?
The past tense of detect is detected. The present participle is detecting.