easy
The smoke alarm can detect smoke.
What does Detect mean?
Detect means notice or find.
Dictionary definition
To notice or discover something, often by careful observation.
Example sentences
Detect in a sentence
medium
A reader can detect a clue in the first paragraph.
hard
Scientists use tools to detect changes that are hard to see.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Detect
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does detect mean?
Detect means notice or find.
Practice 2
Which choice is closest in meaning to detect?
The choice "notice" is closest in meaning because detect means notice or find.
Practice 3
Which choice is the best antonym or contrast for detect?
The choice "miss" is a strong contrast because detect means notice or find.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Detect
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detect
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WordDetect.
Partverb.
MeaningDetect means notice or find.
ExampleExample: The smoke alarm can detect smoke.
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Synonyms
Words like Detect
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice detect synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The sensor can detect movement in the hallway," then compare close word choices. Practice detect synonyms.
Word family
Detect word family
Base word
detect
verb
detect
Base form of detect.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Detect
Hint for students
Detect means to notice, find, or discover something that may be hard to see.
Common mix-up
Detect is not the same as invent. Detect means find what is already there; invent means create something new.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows detect without using the word detect. Model sentence: The dog smelled the hidden treat under the blanket. Clue words: smelled, hidden treat, under the blanket Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show finding or noticing something not obvious?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: 'The smoke alarm can detect smoke in the hallway.' Why does detect fit better than ignore?
Learning activities
Practice Detect and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice DETECT” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice DETECT
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with DETECT
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