# retrace

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɹiːˈtɹeɪs/ · frequency rank #42,380

## Definitions
1. To trace (a line, etc. in drawing) again.
2. To go back over something, usually in an attempt at rediscovery.
3. To undergo retracement.

## Etymology
From French retracer, from Middle French retracier.

## Easily confused with
- **retract** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/retrace-vs-retract)
- **retracted** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/retrace-vs-retracted)
- **retake** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/retake-vs-retrace)
- **replace** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/replace-vs-retrace)

## Common misspellings (10)
`ertrace`, `rertace`, `retarce`, `retracce`, `retraec`, `retrcae`, `retrrace`, `rettrace`, `rretrace`, `rterace`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/retrace