Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Detection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍
Add to dictionary

detection

[dɪˈtɛkʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

The action or process of identifying the presence of something concealed or in disguise.

Synonyms

discovery, exposure, uncovering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
detection

This term is often used in a technical or scientific context, particularly when referring to identifying the presence or existence of something that is not immediately obvious.

  • The early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
  • Advanced technology has improved the detection of fraudulent activities in banking.
discovery

This is frequently used in a broader sense, often relating to finding something new or previously unknown, and can be applied to various fields including science, history, and everyday life.

  • The discovery of penicillin revolutionized the field of medicine.
  • Their trip to the jungle led to the discovery of several new species of plants.
exposure

Exposure typically refers to the act of revealing something hidden, especially in contexts where there is an element of risk or vulnerability. It can have a negative connotation, often related to scandal or danger.

  • Exposure to harmful chemicals can pose serious health risks.
  • The journalist's report led to the exposure of widespread corruption within the government.
uncovering

This word is used when something that was hidden or unknown is brought to light. It often suggests a deliberate effort to reveal something, sometimes involving investigation or research.

  • The archaeologists' work was focused on uncovering the secrets of the ancient civilization.
  • After months of investigation, the detective succeeded in uncovering the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

Examples of usage

  • The detection of illegal substances by the police was crucial in solving the case.
  • His sharp detection skills led to the discovery of the hidden camera.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

The action or process of identifying the nature or existence of something using technology or instruments.

Synonyms

identification, recognition, spotting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
detection

Use when finding the presence of something, often through technology or keen observation. It's commonly used in scientific, medical, and security contexts.

  • Early detection of diseases can save lives.
  • The security system allows for the detection of intruders.
identification

Refer to the act of verifying or establishing the identity of a person or object. Frequently used in legal, scholarly, and administrative contexts.

  • Proper identification is required to enter the building.
  • The scientist's identification of the new species was groundbreaking.
recognition

Apply when acknowledging the existence, validity, or legality of something; often suggests a deeper understanding or familiarity. Commonly used in psychological, social, and professional contexts.

  • Facial recognition technology is advancing rapidly.
  • His recognition of the issue led to a swift solution.
spotting

Use when noticing or seeing something, often quickly or casually. It's less formal and can have a broader usage, including informal and conversational contexts.

  • Spotting a rare bird in the park was thrilling.
  • She had a knack for spotting mistakes in documents.

Examples of usage

  • The detection of malware on the computer was possible thanks to the antivirus software.
  • Modern radar systems allow for the detection of enemy aircraft from long distances.
Context #3 | Noun

science

The act of discovering or identifying the presence of a particular phenomenon or substance.

Synonyms

discovery, finding, identification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
detection

Used in situations where identifying or noticing something, especially something elusive or concealed, is important. Often linked with monitoring, security, or scientific measurement.

  • Early detection of cancer increases the chances of successful treatment
  • The security system allows for the detection of intruders
discovery

Suits situations where something new is found or learned, generally something previously unknown or hidden. Can be used metaphorically or literally.

  • The discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine
  • They made a fascinating discovery during their archaeological dig
identification

Pertains to the act of recognizing, naming, or confirming the existence of something or someone, often used in formal, legal, or scientific contexts.

  • The identification of the suspect was made possible through fingerprint analysis
  • Accurate identification of plant species is crucial for botanical studies
finding

Often used in academic, scientific, or investigatory contexts to describe the result or outcome of research, investigations, or examinations.

  • The findings of the study were published in a reputable scientific journal
  • After days of searching, they celebrated the finding of the lost child

Examples of usage

  • The detection of gravitational waves confirmed a major prediction of Einstein's theory of relativity.
  • Scientists are working on improving the detection of early signs of cancer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific contexts, detection often refers to identifying the presence of substances, like chemicals in a lab.
  • Tools like sensors and detectors are designed to find specific elements, such as smoke or radiation.

Technology

  • In modern cybersecurity, detection systems monitor networks to identify fraud or malicious activities.
  • Advancements in artificial intelligence enable machines to detect patterns in data quicker than humans.

Psychology

  • Detection can also relate to how people notice emotional cues in others, showcasing human instincts.
  • Studies indicate that detection of subtle changes in body language can reveal unspoken feelings.

Literature

  • In mystery novels, detection is the key plot element, often involving a detective unraveling a complex case.
  • Notable works use the theme of detection to explore human intuition versus logical reasoning.

Origin of 'detection'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'detectio,' meaning the action of uncovering.
  • It has roots in the word 'detergere,' which means to wipe away, linking to uncovering or revealing.

The word 'detection' originated from the Latin word 'detectio', which means 'uncovering' or 'exposing'. The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, evolving to encompass not only criminal investigations but also technological advancements and scientific discoveries.

See also: detect, detectable, detecting, detective, detectives, detector, detectors, undetectable, undetected.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,446, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.