2 syllables: de, tects. Stress on tects.
dit-EKTS
/dɪˈtɛkts/
detects is pronounced dit-EKTS (/dɪˈtɛkts/). It has two syllables (de-tects), with the stress on "tects". Detects means to discover or identify the presence or existence of something, often using observation, analysis, or instrumentation. It implies recognition of a signal, clue, or anomaly that leads to a conclusion. In everyday language, it also covers recognizing patterns or catching faults and issues.
Detects means to discover or identify the presence or existence of something, often using observation, analysis, or instrumentation. It implies recognition of a signal, clue, or anomaly that leads to a conclusion. In everyday language, it also covers recognizing patterns or catching faults and issues.
"The sensor detects even the slightest change in temperature."
"Researchers detects a pattern in the data, confirming the hypothesis."
"The malware detects unusual activity and alerts the security team."
Pronounce as /dɪˈtɛkts/. The first syllable is unstressed with a light /dɪ/; the second syllable bears primary stress: /ˈtɛk/. End with /ts/ cluster for a crisp stop. Try a quick mouth position: lips rounded lightly, tongue tip near the alveolar ridge, then release into a voiceless /t/ and /s/ blend. Listen for the two consonants collapsing into a single crisp /kts/ sequence.
Common errors include overemphasizing the second syllable, saying /diˈtɛk/ or /dɪˈtɛks/ without the final /t/ then /s/ blend, and misplacing the /t/ leading to /dɛkts/ or /dəˈtɛkts/. To correct: maintain the /dɪ/ on the first syllable, stress the second as /ˈtɛk/, and ensure the final /ts/ is produced as a single, voiceless affricate rather than a separate /t/ and /s/. Practice with a quick, light release into /t/ and hold for the /s/.
In US and UK, the core is /dɪˈtɛkts/, with primary stress on the second syllable. US may have slightly reduced vowel in the first syllable, but generally similar. Australian English tends to be less rhotic, but in this word the /r/ is irrelevant; vowel quality in /ɪ/ vs /ɪə/ is minimal. The final /ts/ is often fully audible in all. The main variation is vowel quality and tempo; Australians may compress the first syllable slightly and place the stress similarly.
Two tricky aspects: the two-consonant cluster at the end /kts/ requires precise, rapid release, avoiding an audible /t/ full stop. The second syllable carries the stress, so you must shift from a lighter first syllable to a stronger /ˈtɛk/ onset, then seamlessly glide into /ts/. Learners often vocalize an extra vowel or split the cluster into /t/ + /s/. Focus on tongue position for the alveolar stop and the voiceless affricate to nail the sound.
A unique concern is maintaining the crisp /ts/ cluster without vocalizing a surprise vowel before /t/ or after /t/. The word often gets a held vowel in rapid speech, distorting the /t/ release. Target a tight transition from /k/ to /t/ to /s/, keeping the airflow steady and avoiding voicing in the final cluster. Practicing with minimal pairs helps lock the final /ts/ in place.
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US: clear rhotics and forward vowel quality;UK: slightly more clipped vowel and slower transition into /ts/;AU: often faster, with a tighter two-consonant end cluster and reduced vowel in first syllable. Vowel differences matter: /ɪ/ in first syllable in all three, but US can be more lax. IPA references: /dɪˈtɛkts/ with primary stress on second syllable. Practice with full mouth movements: lips relaxed, tongue at alveolar ridge for /d/ and /t/, tip raised for /t|s/ sequence. Accent tips emphasize the final affricate; keep it voiceless and crisp.
Detect derives from the Latin detectus, past participle of detegere, meaning to unveil or uncover. Detegere is formed from de- (from, away) + tegere (to cover). The English verb detect appeared in the 14th–15th centuries, initially in the sense of uncovering or bringing to light something hidden. Over time, detect broadened to include perceiving by senses or instruments, especially in scientific and investigative contexts. The noun detection follows from the verb, while detection as a process or result gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries with advances in science, medicine, radar, and digital surveillance. The word shares roots with detective, detection, and detectable, all built on the core idea of uncovering what is concealed. First known uses appear in Middle English writings, with Latin and Old French predecessors shaping early semantic shades that emphasize unveiling, discovery, and recognition across domains from theology to technology.
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Words that rhyme with "detects"
-cts sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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