verb
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retrace
ree-TRAYS
Retrace (verb) means to go back over a path, route, or sequence of events, often to find something or understand what happened. Example: “Police retraced the missing hiker's route from his last known location.”
verb
1
To go back over a path, route, or sequence of events, often to find something or understand what happened.
"Police retraced the missing hiker's route from his last known location."
"She retraced her steps to look for her lost earring."
How to use retrace
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGoing back over the same path or story you already covered.
Common pairings
retrace your steps
retrace a route
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Word forms
- Plural
- retraces
- Third person singular
- retraces
- Past tense
- retraced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police _____ the missing hiker's route from his last known location.
Etymology
It comes from French retracer, from Middle French retracier.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for retrace
See all rhymes for retrace →Frequently asked questions
What does “retrace” mean?
The word “retrace” means to go back over a path, route, or sequence of events, often to find something or understand what happened. In plain terms, going back over the same path or story you already covered.
How do you pronounce “retrace”?
“Retrace” is pronounced ree-TRAYS (/ɹiːˈtɹeɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “retrace” in a sentence?
Here is “retrace” used in a sentence: “Police retraced the missing hiker's route from his last known location.”
What part of speech is “retrace”?
“Retrace” is a verb.
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