TRAY-suhz
/ˈtɹeɪsəz/
traces is pronounced TRAY-suhz (/ˈtɹeɪsəz/). Traces refers to marks or indications left by something that has passed or moved, or to small amounts of something measured or detected over time. In grammar, traces can imply remnants or evidence of a past action or state. The term often appears in contexts like detection, archaeology, or data history, and can function as a plural noun or a verb form (he traces).
Traces refers to marks or indications left by something that has passed or moved, or to small amounts of something measured or detected over time. In grammar, traces can imply remnants or evidence of a past action or state. The term often appears in contexts like detection, archaeology, or data history, and can function as a plural noun or a verb form (he traces).
"The detective found traces of blood at the scene."
"Geologists examined traces of ancient minerals in the rock."
"Her story traces the evolution of the company from a small startup to a multinational."
Traces is pronounced /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/ in US, UK, and AU English. The stress is on the first syllable: TREY-siz. The first syllable contains the diphthong /eɪ/ as in 'tray,' followed by the vowel /ɪ/ in the second syllable before the final /z/. Ensure the /s/ to /z/ voice is clear and the ending is voiced. You can think of it as two phonemes: /ˈtreɪ/ + /sɪz/ with the suffix softened to /-z/ sound.”,
Common mistakes include misplacing stress, saying /ˈtræsɪz/ with a short /æ/ as in 'trap' and elongating the second syllable to /ˈtreɪ.siz/ or /ˈtreɪ.sɪs/. The correct articulation keeps the first syllable /treɪ/ with a clear /eɪ/ diphthong and a short, crisp second syllable /sɪz/. Another frequent error: final /s/ whispered or devoiced; ensure the final /z/ is voiced and audible. Practice by isolating the two syllables and blending them smoothly.”,
In US English, /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/ with a rhotic starting R and clear /eɪ/. UK English typically retains the same /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/ but can show slight vowel quality variation in /eɪ/ and a less pronounced rhoticity in some accents. Australian English is generally similar to US/UK but may have a broader orcloser /eɪ/ depending on speaker; the /ɪ/ in /sɪz/ remains quick and light. Overall, the vowel in the first syllable can vary slightly (closer to /eɪ/ with subtle rounding), but the final /ɪz/ remains voiced. IPA references: US /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/, UK /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/, AU /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/.”,
Two main challenges: the diphthong /eɪ/ in the first syllable and the cluster transition into the final voiced /z/. The /treɪ/ sequence requires a smooth glide from /t/ to the high front vowel /eɪ/ without breaking into /træ/ or /træɪ/. The final /əz/ or /ɪz/ demands voicing and slight z-voice onset time, avoiding devoicing to /s/. Practice by isolating /treɪ/ and then adding /sɪz/, monitoring lip/tongue position and airflow. IPA cues: /ˈtreɪ.sɪz/.”,
Traces combines a stressed first syllable with a short, unstressed mid syllable leading into a clearly voiced final consonant /z/. The /eɪ/ diphthong must be precise, not reduced to /e/ or /eɪə/, and the /s/ to /z/ transition must be voiced. Sequence tips emphasize keeping the tongue high for /eɪ/ and ensuring the /z/ is not fricative-only; keep the vocal folds vibrating. This combination differentiates it from similar words like 'traced' (end with /t/) and 'trace' (no final /z/ in noun form).
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Trace comes from the Old French tracier, tracing the route or path, itself from Latin tractus ‘a drawing, dragging, or drawing along,’ from trahere ‘to pull, draw.’ The plural traces inherits the same root meaning, with the figurative sense of evidence or remnants forming over time. The sense of “marks left behind” appears early in English usage, with tracing of a path or line as a literal act, later extended to evidence or indications (traces of emotion, traces of evidence). The verb sense “to follow or outline a path” formalized in the late Middle English period as a derivation of the noun. First known use as a noun in the 14th century, with extended metaphorical meaning developing in scientific and forensic discourse by the 19th century. The word’s productivity as both noun and verb has maintained consistent usage across fields like archaeology, chemistry (trace elements), and forensic science, where trace evidence is fundamental. The evolution reflects a shift from visible, physical marks to abstract indications of history or origin.
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Words that rhyme with "traces"
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