How to pronounce trace
Say it like TRAYS. Trace is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce trace. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TRAYS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Trace pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TRAYSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of trace
American and British speakers say trace in essentially the same way: /treɪs/ in the US and /treɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: TRAYS.
What does trace mean?
- a just detectable amount“he speaks French with a trace of an accent”“a hint mockery in her manner”
- an indication that something has been present“there wasn't a trace of evidence for the claim”“a tincture of condescension”
- a suggestion of some quality“there was a touch of sarcasm in his tone”“he detected a ghost of a smile on her face”
- follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something“We must follow closely the economic development is Cuba”“trace the student's progress”
- make a mark or lines on a surface“draw a line”“trace the outline of a figure in the sand”
- to go back over again“we retraced the route we took last summer”“trace your path”
Where does trace come from?
From Middle English trace, traas, from Old French trace (“an outline, track, trace”), from the verb (see below).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with trace
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of trace.
Questions about saying trace
How do you pronounce trace?
Say TRAYS. The American pronunciation is /treɪs/. In British English it is /treɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in trace?
Trace is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: TRAYS.
Do Americans and Brits say trace the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /treɪs/ and the British form is /treɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.