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Definition of detect

detect

/dɪˈtɛkt/
de · tect
Adverb:detectably
•
Adjective:detectable
•
Past Simple:detected
•
Past Participle:detected
•
Present Participle:detecting
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detect Lexical Profile

detect Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To discover, perceive, or notice the presence or existence of something that is subtle, concealed, or not immediately obvious.

Example

"She could detect a faint hint of sarcasm in his polite reply."

2

To identify, measure, or verify the presence of a substance, signal, or medical condition using specialized instruments or scientific testing.

Example

"The new blood test can detect early signs of the infection within minutes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for detect

• Nearby Words

detangler
detasseling
detax
detect
detectability
detectable
detectably

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin detectus, the past participle of detegere, meaning 'to uncover' or 'to expose' (from de- 'un-, off' + tegere 'to cover').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Detect. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/detect
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