TRACE in FRANKENSTEIN - verbalworkout.com

2 meanings, 13 uses

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1 —9 uses as in:
found a trace of

Definition

a small quantity; or any indication or evidence of

The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example:

a small indication that something was present — as in "The plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean without leaving a trace."
a very small amount of something — as in "The blood test showed a trace of steroids."
any evidence of something — as in "We did not find a trace of the gene."

In a thousand spots the traces of the winter avalanche may be perceived, where trees lie broken and strewed on the ground, some entirely destroyed, others bent, leaning upon the jutting rocks of the mountain or transversely upon other trees.
Chapter 10 (21% in)

traces = indications or signs

Other Uses (with this meaning)

We have no trace of him at present, although our exertions to discover him are unremitted; but they will not restore my beloved William!
Chapter 7 (15% in)

trace = indication or sign

Six years had elapsed, passed in a dream but for one indelible trace, and I stood in the same place where I had last embraced my father before my departure for Ingolstadt.
Chapter 7 (68% in)

trace = indication (in this case, of what had happened)

It had a wild and rocky appearance, but as I approached nearer I easily perceived the traces of cultivation.
Chapter 20 (83% in)

traces = indications or signs

Immediately upon your being taken ill, all the papers that were on your person were brought me, and I examined them that I might discover some trace by which I could send to your relations an account of your misfortune and illness.
Chapter 21 (55% in)

trace = indication (in this case, some sign of what happened)

She looked forward to our union with placid contentment, not unmingled with a little fear, which past misfortunes had impressed, that what now appeared certain and tangible happiness might soon dissipate into an airy dream and leave no trace but deep and everlasting regret.
Chapter 22 (75% in)

trace = indication (in this case, no sign of what had been)

But I discovered no trace of him and was beginning to conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the execution of his menaces when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful scream.
Chapter 23 (14% in)

trace = indication or sign

Sometimes the peasants, scared by this horrid apparition, informed me of his path; sometimes he himself, who feared that if I lost all trace of him I should despair and die, left some mark to guide me.
Chapter 24 (9% in)

trace = indication (in this case, sign of the presence)

But now, when I appeared almost within grasp of my foe, my hopes were suddenly extinguished, and I lost all trace of him more utterly than I had ever done before.
Chapter 24 (30% in)

trace = indication (in this case, sign of the presence)

There are no more uses of "trace" flagged with this meaning in Frankenstein.

Typical Usage (best examples)

2 —4 uses as in:
traced a path

Definition

to follow

The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example:

"The hunters traced the deer into the woods." — followed or tracked
"With soft kisses, she gently traced the scar running down his cheek." — followed
"The path traces along the edge of the forest." — follows
"A single tear traced its way down her cheek." — followed a specific path

When I quitted Geneva my first labour was to gain some clue by which I might trace the steps of my fiendish enemy.
Chapter 24 (2% in)

trace = track or follow

Other Uses (with this meaning)

Thus far I have gone, tracing a secure way over the pathless seas, the very stars themselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph.
Introductory Letters (50% in)

tracing = following

The spirit of elder days found a dwelling here, and we delighted to trace its footsteps.
Chapter 19 (31% in)

trace = follow

I carefully traced the windings of the land and hailed a steeple which I at length saw issuing from behind a small promontory.
Chapter 20 (84% in)

traced = followed

There are no more uses of "trace" flagged with this meaning in Frankenstein.

Typical Usage (best examples)

trace used in Frankenstein