Trace/treɪs/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Investigative Usage Used when describing a methodical search for information or someone. Detectives traced the suspect's whereabouts. Pro Tip 2/3Process Emphasis Implies a process; tracing something can take time and effort. Researchers spent years tracing the origins of the language. Pro Tip 3/3Research Context Commonly used in research or historical contexts, where thoroughness is key. She traced her family tree through archival records.