Spanish word

detectar

Pronunciation

IPA/detekˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdetect

Example

El sensor puede detectar movimiento.

The sensor can detect movement.

Illustration for detectar (detect)

More examples

¿Puedes detectar si hay alguien en casa?

Can you detect if anyone is home?

Core concept

A sensor registering a faint signal.

Common phrases

  • detectar un problema

    detect a problem

  • detectar un error

    detect an error

  • detectar mentiras

    detect lies

Similar words

reconocer: Perceives someone or something as familiar from previous experience.
ver: Notices something by sight; becomes visually aware of it.
sentir: Experiences presence or change via physical touch or bodily feeling.
identificar: Pinpoints what something is by specifying its characteristics or type.

Definition in Spanish

Identificar o descubrir la presencia de algo a partir de señales, datos, observación o instrumentos.

Word origin

From Latin detectāre, formed from de- 'remove' and tegere 'to cover', originally 'to uncover' and later 'to discover or identify by inspection or instruments'.

Usage tips

  • Mainly used for technical or instrument-based findings; when a person casually notices something, Spanish speakers usually say darse cuenta or notar.

Other meanings

  • senseverb
  • noticeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • deteccióndetectionnoun
  • detectabledetectableadjective
  • detectordetectornoun

Word lists with this word