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noun Common

detection

dih-TEHK-shuhn

Detection (noun) means the act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known. Example: “Early detection greatly improves cancer survival rates.”

noun
1
The act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known.
"Early detection greatly improves cancer survival rates."
"The software is designed for fraud detection."

How to use detection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe process of finding or noticing something that was hidden or unknown.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
early detection fraud detection escape detection

Word forms

detections plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Early _____ greatly improves cancer survival rates.

Etymology

From Latin detectio, from detegere, "to uncover".

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for detection

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Frequently asked questions

What does “detection” mean?

The word “detection” means the act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known. In plain terms, the process of finding or noticing something that was hidden or unknown.

How do you pronounce “detection”?

“Detection” is pronounced dih-TEHK-shuhn (/dɪˈtɛk.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “detection” in a sentence?

Here is “detection” used in a sentence: “Early detection greatly improves cancer survival rates.”

What is another word for “detection”?

Words with a similar meaning to “detection” include demodulation.

What part of speech is “detection”?

“Detection” is a noun.

Where does the word “detection” come from?

The word “detection” comes from Latin. From Latin detectio, from detegere, "to uncover".

Is “detection” a common word?

“Detection” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between detection and discovery?

Detection is the act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known, and it usually implies deliberate searching or monitoring, often with instruments. Discovery is the broader word for finding anything new, from a fact to a continent. Fraud detection is a process; the discovery of fraud is the result.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial