1 B2 neutral
to copy or mark the outline of something by drawing over it
"The children traced the stars out on black paper."
separable
trace out
B2 neutral separable transitive
to mark, draw, or identify the outline or course of something
In plain English
show the shape or path of something by drawing or following it
What does "trace out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
to identify or describe the development or path of something step by step
"The documentary traces out the family's journey across three generations."
separable
Usage tip
Used in art, geometry, anatomy, and figurative writing about patterns or developments.
Words that pair with "trace out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
outline pattern shape letters route history
How to conjugate "trace out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
trace out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
traces out
he/she/it
Past simple
traced out
yesterday
Past participle
traced out
have + pp
-ing form
tracing out
continuous
Hear "trace out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "trace out"
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