trace, vestige

trace, vestige
These words refer to something that has existed or gone before. Trace, the more widely used, is derived from Latin tractus, meaning "a dragging." It applies to any evidence, such as a footprint, a fragment, or a lingering odor that suggests the prior existence or presence of something: "There was a trace of perfume in the room." "There was no trace of their having spent the night here." Vestige, a more limited word, refers to some slight but actual indication (remains) of something that no longer exists: "In his weakened condition, he is a mere vestige of his former self." "Not a vestige of her once-great beauty remains." Related words include track, trail, spoor, record, indication, and sign.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • trace — n Trace, vestige, track can all mean a visible or otherwise sensible sign left by something that has passed or has taken place. Trace basically applies to a line (as of footprints) or a rut made by someone or something that has passed {follow the …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • trace — I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French, from tracer to trace Date: 14th century 1. archaic a course or path that one follows 2. a. a mark or line left by something that has passed; also footprint b. a path, trail, or road made by… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • trace — trace1 /trays/, n., v., traced, tracing. n. 1. a surviving mark, sign, or evidence of the former existence, influence, or action of some agent or event; vestige: traces of an advanced civilization among the ruins. 2. a barely discernible… …   Universalium

  • vestige — ves|tige [ˈvestıdʒ] n formal [Date: 1600 1700; : French; Origin: Latin vestigium footprint, track ] 1.) a small part or amount of something that remains when most of it no longer exists = ↑trace vestige of ▪ The new law removed the last vestiges… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • vestige — See trace. See trace, vestige …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • trace — See trace, vestige …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • vestige — [ vɛstiʒ ] n. m. • 1377, fig.; lat. vestigium, proprt « trace du pied » ♦ Surtout au plur. 1 ♦ (1491) Concret Ce qui demeure (d une chose détruite, disparue). ⇒ reste . « un renard, un loup empaillé [...] vestiges des chasses de sa jeunesse »… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • trace — [ tras ] n. f. • déb. XIIe; de tracer 1 ♦ Empreinte ou suite d empreintes, de marques que laisse le passage d un être ou d un objet. « des traces de pas sur la neige conduisaient à un pavillon » (Carco). Disparaître sans laisser de traces. Perdre …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • tracé — trace [ tras ] n. f. • déb. XIIe; de tracer 1 ♦ Empreinte ou suite d empreintes, de marques que laisse le passage d un être ou d un objet. « des traces de pas sur la neige conduisaient à un pavillon » (Carco). Disparaître sans laisser de traces.… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Vestige — Ves tige, n. [F., from L. vestigium footprint, trace, sign; the last part ( stigium) is probably akin to E. sty, v. i. Cf. {Investigate}.] 1. The mark of the foot left on the earth; a track or footstep; a trace; a sign; hence, a faint mark or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”