Definition of “Trace”

Trace (noun):

1. Mark or Evidence:
   • Meaning: A small sign or indication of something that has been left behind or that has existed.
     • Example: “The detective found a trace of the suspect’s fingerprints at the scene.”
   • Prepositions Used: Of
     • Example: “There was a trace of blood on the floor.”
2. Historical Record:
   • Meaning: A record or evidence of past events or developments.
     • Example: “The archeologist studied the traces of ancient civilizations in the ruins.”
   • Prepositions Used: Of
     • Example: “The documents provided a trace of the company’s history.”
3. Path or Route:
   • Meaning: A path or route that has been followed or used.
     • Example: “We followed the trace left by the explorers.”
   • Prepositions Used: No specific preposition
     • Example: “The trace of the trail was visible in the snow.”

Trace (verb):

1. Follow the Evidence:
   • Meaning: To find or discover something by following evidence or clues.
     • Example: “The investigators traced the source of the leak to the corporate office.”
   • Prepositions Used: To
     • Example: “She traced the call back to its origin.”
2. Draw or Outline:
   • Meaning: To draw or outline the shape or path of something.
     • Example: “He traced the outline of the map onto the paper.”
   • Prepositions Used: No specific preposition
     • Example: “She traced the design onto the fabric.”
3. Reconstruct or Recreate:
   • Meaning: To recreate or reconstruct something from evidence or existing clues.
     • Example: “The historian traced the development of the ancient trade routes.”
   • Prepositions Used: Back to, From
     • Example: “They traced the origins of the tradition back to medieval times.”

Collocations with “Trace”

• Trace of: A small amount or sign of something.
• Trace back to: To find the origin or source of something.
• Trace evidence: Small, often invisible, bits of evidence found at a crime scene.
• Trace a path: To follow or outline a route or trajectory.
• Trace a line: To draw or outline a line carefully.
• Trace the development: To follow the growth or changes of something over time.
• Trace the origin: To identify where something originated.

Example Sentences

1. The detective found a trace of the suspect’s DNA at the crime scene.
2. The archeologists discovered traces of an ancient civilization buried under the city.
3. The hikers followed the trace left by the explorers from centuries ago.
4. She traced the genealogy of her family back to the 18th century.
5. The forensic team collected trace evidence from the crime scene to analyze.
6. He traced the route of the old railway on the historical map.
7. The researcher traced the development of the technology from its inception.
8. She could trace the outline of the drawing with her pencil.
9. The historian traced the origins of the festival to ancient rituals.
10. The trace of blood on the floor was evidence of the struggle that took place.
11. They traced the source of the problem back to a faulty component.
12. The artist traced the design onto the canvas before painting.
13. The team traced the path of the comet through historical records.
14. The trace of perfume on the letter hinted at the sender’s identity.
15. She traced her family’s history back to the early settlers of the country.
16. The trace of the trail was barely visible through the dense forest.
17. The investigator traced the call to a number registered in a different city.
18. The trace evidence collected from the scene was crucial to solving the case.
19. The archaeologists traced the ancient trade routes across the desert.
20. He traced the line of the drawing with a fine pen.
21. The trace of the original structure could still be seen in the renovated building.
22. They traced the origins of the legend to ancient folklore.
23. The historian traced the influence of the artist on contemporary movements.
24. The detective was able to trace the suspect’s movements through surveillance footage.
25. The trace of a smile appeared on her face as she remembered the good times.
26. The team traced the history of the company’s logo design.
27. He used a ruler to trace a straight line on the paper.
28. The forensic team was able to trace the origins of the drug to an illegal lab.
29. She traced the shape of the pattern onto the fabric before cutting it out.
30. The trace of the comet’s path was recorded by astronomers.
31. The geologists traced the evolution of the landscape through sediment analysis.
32. The detective traced the origin of the counterfeit money.
33. The artist traced the outline of the sketch to prepare for painting.
34. The trace evidence helped link the suspect to the crime scene.
35. She traced the family tree to discover her ancestors.
36. The biologists traced the genetic mutations back to their source.
37. The historian traced the influence of the invention on modern technology.
38. The trace of the old road was still visible despite years of neglect.
39. They traced the recipe’s origin to a cook from the 19th century.
40. The trail was so faint that it was difficult to trace.
41. The investigator traced the suspect’s financial transactions.
42. She traced the outline of the building onto her sketchpad.
43. The trace of ash in the soil indicated a volcanic eruption in the past.
44. The scientists traced the development of the new species over several years.
45. The detective followed the trace of clues to solve the mystery.
46. The historian traced the impact of the war on local culture.
47. She used a lightbox to trace the details of the image onto her canvas.
48. The trace of a smile on his lips revealed his true feelings.
49. The research team traced the spread of the disease through historical records.
50. The trace of the old settlement was uncovered during the excavation.