Meaning & Definition of word "Retrace"
Retrace
/rɪˈtreɪs/
verb:
- 1. to go back over the course of something, especially in a backward direction or to return to a previous location.
- Example: After realizing he had forgotten his phone, he decided to retrace his steps back to the coffee shop.
- 2. to trace again or to draw over (a line or path).
- Example: The artist had to retrace the outlines of her sketch to make it more pronounced.
- 3. to repeat an action or event for the purpose of finding the way back.
- Example: The detective needed to retrace the suspect's movements to gather more clues.
Etymology
●Late Middle English: from re- 'again' + trace.
Common Phrases and Expressions
retrace one's steps:
To go back on the route already taken.
retrace the timeline:
To review in chronological order the sequence of events.
retrace the procedure:
To go through the steps of a process again.
Related Words
trace:
To follow the course of something.
route:
A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
path:
A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.