Quick answer
Detection is discovering something hidden. Detention is holding someone in custody — or keeping a pupil behind after school. Smoke detection; held in detention. The c uncovers; the n holds.
The core difference
- detection — the act of discovering or noticing something concealed. Early detection of cancer, escape detection, a detection rate.
- detention — keeping someone in official custody; a school punishment of being kept in. Detention without trial, an immigration detention centre, an hour's detention.
The tell
Detection belongs with detect and detective — someone who uncovers. Detention belongs with detain — to hold back. A smoke detector detects; a detention centre detains. The family word in each case decides the spelling.
In use
- detection — The alarm is designed for early detection of fire. The fraud went years without detection.
- detention — The suspect was released from detention after questioning. Talking in class earned him a detention.
Common slips
- held in detection → held in detention
- smoke detention → smoke detection
Detectives detect; detainees are detained.
Where the words come from
Detection is from Latin detegere, "to uncover" — de- + tegere "to cover", the same tegere as in protect. Detention is from Latin detinere, "to hold back" — de- + tenere "to hold", the root of tenant and retain.
Frequently asked questions
What is a detention centre?
A place where people are held in official custody — often used of immigration detention, where people are held while their status is decided.
What is early detection?
Finding a disease or fault at an early stage, when it is easier to treat or fix.
Is it "detain" or "detect" for holding someone?
Detain. Detect is to discover. The nouns follow: detention, detection.
