Basic Details
Word: Detect
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To discover or notice something, especially something hidden or not obvious.
Synonyms: Discover, find, notice
Antonyms: Miss, overlook, ignore
Idioms and Phrases
- Detect a pattern: To notice a recurring theme or trend in data or behaviour. Example: "The teacher could detect a pattern in the students' test scores."
- Detect a lie: To realise that someone is being dishonest. Example: "She could easily detect a lie when he tried to cover up his mistake."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The detective was able to detect important clues that helped solve the case.
Example 2: Scientists work hard to detect changes in the environment caused by climate change.
Example 3: Using a magnifying glass, she tried to detect the tiny print on the ancient manuscript.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "detect" comes from the Latin word "detegere," which means "to uncover"? This reflects its meaning of discovering or finding something that is not immediately obvious!
Famous Quote
"The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend." Robertson Davies
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "detect" mean?
a) To ignore something
b) To discover something hidden
c) To move quickly
d) To confuse someone
Answer: b) To discover something hidden
2. Which of these is a synonym of "detect"?
a) Overlook
b) Discover
c) Ignore
d) Dismiss
Answer: b) Discover
3. Which word is an antonym of "detect"?
a) Notice
b) Find
c) Miss
d) Discern
Answer: c) Miss
4. Which sentence uses "detect" correctly?
a) I could detect the sweet smell of flowers in the garden.
b) She tried to detect a soccer ball.
c) They were able to detect the finish line quickly.
d) It was difficult to detect the noise on Christmas Day.
Answer: a) I could detect the sweet smell of flowers in the garden.
5. Which idiom means to notice a recurring pattern?
a) Detect a lie
b) Detect a pattern
c) See eye to eye
d) Turn a blind eye
Answer: b) Detect a pattern
