Traces Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
traces
[treษชsษชz ]
Definitions
forensic analysis
Visible or invisible marks left by something that has passed
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| traces |
Use when referring to small amounts or slight indications of something that were present but are not easy to find.
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| signs |
Appropriate for indications or signals of a condition, presence, or upcoming event.
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| evidence |
Used when talking about information or items that prove whether something is true or false. Often used in legal or scientific contexts.
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| clues |
Best when referring to pieces of information or objects that help solve a mystery or answer a question.
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Examples of usage
- The detective found traces of blood at the crime scene
- There were traces of the suspect's DNA on the murder weapon
investigation
Find or discover by investigation
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| traces |
Used to describe small signs or marks left behind by someone or something. Often used in a forensic or investigative context.
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| track down |
Implies a more intensive search to find someone or something that is difficult to locate. Carries a sense of effort and determination.
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| locate |
Used when you find the exact position or place of something or someone. Suitable for both everyday situations and more specialized contexts.
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| uncover |
Implies revealing or discovering something hidden or secret. Often used in investigative journalism, research, or situations involving exposure of wrongdoing.
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Examples of usage
- The police traced the stolen car to a nearby garage
- She traced her family history back to the 18th century
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, traces can refer to remnants of organisms, such as fossils, that help scientists study past life.
- In forensics, traces like fingerprints or hair strands are critical for solving crimes, acting as evidence of a person's presence.
- In chemistry, a 'trace' can denote a very small amount of a substance, often used in environmental testing.
Art
- Artists often use 'tracing' techniques to refine their drawings, helping them capture accurate details.
- The trace of a pencil can show the artist's process and is considered an integral part of the final work.
- In digital art, a layer of trace can help in creating clean lines and defining shapes.
Literature
- In literature, 'traces' can symbolize memories or remnants of the past that characters must confront.
- Writers often use traces in their narratives to signify connections between past and present events.
- Poets may refer to 'traces' as a metaphor for feelings or experiences that linger long after they occur.
Psychology
- In psychology, traces of experiences or trauma can be seen in behaviors or thoughts, shaping a person's perception.
- Memory formation can be thought of as leaving traces in the brain, influencing how we recall past events.
- Psychological studies explore how the traces of our past affect our decisions and relationships in the present.
Origin of 'traces'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'trace' comes from the Latin 'tractus', which means to draw or pull.
- In the 14th century, 'trace' was used mainly in the context of drawing lines or outlines.
- Originally, it referred to tracks or paths left by something that moved, highlighting its connection to movement.
The word 'traces' has its origin in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'tracier' which means 'to make one's way, to track'. The concept of 'traces' has been essential in various fields such as forensic science, archaeology, and investigation, where the ability to uncover hidden or visible marks left by something plays a crucial role in solving mysteries and understanding the past.