Detecting: meaning, definitions and examples

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detecting

[dɪˈtɛktɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

technology

The act of identifying or discovering something through the use of technology or special equipment. It often involves analyzing data or signals to determine the presence of a particular object or substance.

Synonyms

find, identify, uncover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
detecting	This term is often used in scientific, security, or technical contexts where precision and high sensitivity are required to sense something, usually over a period of time. The scientist spent hours detecting changes in the chemical solution. The security system is capable of detecting even the smallest movements.
identify	This term is used when you need to recognize and name someone or something, especially in formal, educational, or professional settings. The professor helped the students identify different species of plants. The police were able to identify the suspect using security footage.
find	This is a general term used for discovering or locating something that was previously unknown or lost. It is a common word used in everyday language. I can't find my keys! She managed to find a nice restaurant nearby.
uncover	This term usually implies revealing something hidden, secret, or not immediately obvious. It often carries a connotation of investigation or discovery. The journalist spent months trying to uncover the truth about the scandal. Archaeologists uncovered an ancient tomb in the desert.

Examples of usage

The radar system is capable of detecting incoming aircraft.
The sensor is sensitive enough to detect even the slightest movement.
The software is designed to detect and remove viruses from the computer system.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotion

To notice or recognize something, especially a subtle or hidden aspect. It can also refer to perceiving someone's true feelings or intentions.

Synonyms

discern, perceive, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
detecting	Generally used in contexts involving the identification of something not easily noticeable, often using specialized equipment or skills. Commonly related to investigations or technical fields. The scientist is detecting the presence of harmful chemicals in the water. Law enforcement is focused on detecting fraudulent activities.
discern	Appropriate in situations where understanding or recognizing something requires sharpness and depth of perception. It often conveys a sense of effort in recognizing subtle differences or truths. He could discern a faint smile on her face despite the crowd. The critic discerned a deeper meaning in the artist's work.
perceive	Used when talking about becoming aware of or understanding something through the senses, often with an emphasis on initial awareness or impression. She could perceive the tension in the room as soon as she walked in. Many people perceive his comments as rude.
spot	Typically used in casual or everyday situations to indicate the act of noticing something or someone, especially when this happens quickly or unexpectedly. I can spot him in a crowd thanks to his bright red hat. She spotted a spelling mistake in the document.

Examples of usage

She could detect a hint of sadness in his voice.
The detective was able to detect a lie in the suspect's statement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'detecting' comes from the Latin word 'detegere', which means 'to uncover' or 'to remove the cover'.
It was first used in English around the early 17th century, mainly in contexts related to crime and investigation.

Science

In science, detecting often refers to identifying substances or changes in the environment, such as detecting radiation or chemical reactions.
Devices like smoke detectors and metal detectors utilize specific technologies to sense their surroundings and alert users.

Pop Culture

Detective stories have been a popular genre in books and movies, with famous characters like Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew captivating audiences for over a century.
Reality TV shows often follow real-life detectives as they solve crimes, highlighting the excitement of detecting in action.

Psychology

Detecting emotions in others is a key aspect of social interactions, with individuals often picking up on nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions.
Some psychologists study the ability to detect lies, aiming to understand the signs that indicate when someone might not be telling the truth.

Technology

With the rise of artificial intelligence, systems can now detect patterns in data, whether it’s recognizing faces in photos or predicting trends in user behavior.
The field of cybersecurity relies heavily on detecting unauthorized access or security breaches to protect sensitive information.

Translations

Translations of the word "detecting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 detectando

🇮🇳 पता लगाना

🇩🇪 erkennen

🇮🇩 mendeteksi

🇺🇦 виявлення

🇵🇱 wykrywanie

🇯🇵 検出

🇫🇷 détection

🇪🇸 detectar

🇹🇷 tespit etmek

🇰🇷 탐지

🇸🇦 اكتشاف

🇨🇿 detekce

🇸🇰 detekcia

🇨🇳 检测

🇸🇮 zaznavanje

🇮🇸 uppgötvun

🇰🇿 анықтау

🇬🇪 აღმოჩენა

🇦🇿 aşkarlanma

🇲🇽 detectar

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,757 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8754 persuasion
8755 echoed
8756 costing
8757 detecting
8758 unfamiliar
8759 misdemeanor
8760 deployed
...