Words / B2

TRAYS/treɪs/

To trace is to find the origin or path of something, or to copy by drawing over: trace the outbreak; a trace of a chemical. Track is often follow movement (already in the dictionary); trail is a path (next entries). Trace the source of the leak in the methods log. Noun: a trace (a very small amount). Mix-up: track / trait (already in the dictionary). Do not write trace for a full census.

Meaning

To find the origin or path of something; also a very small amount (noun: a trace of).

Examples

• “Trace the source of the leak in the methods log, not a rumour.”
• “A trace of lead still needs a units line, which is the tiny-amount sense.”

Good to know

trace + origin / outbreak / outline; a trace of. Close: track. Trap: trait. Sciences, news, and art. Find a path or a tiny amount, not a complete count.

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