Trace vs. Follow: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 2, 2023
Trace involves discovering by investigation or finding remnants; Follow implies going or coming after, or adhering to directions or instructions.
Key Differences
The term "Trace" often denotes tracking or discovering something by investigating signs or remnants left behind. It implies a process of searching and uncovering, often associated with uncovering history, origins, or causes. Conversely, "Follow" generally means to go or come after someone or something in a physical or chronological sequence. It implies adherence to a path, sequence, or set of instructions or guidelines, and it can also denote comprehension or understanding.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
While tracing often involves a detailed and focused examination or study to uncover information, following typically requires adherence, observance, or obedience to a predetermined path or set of instructions. Tracing may lead to the discovery of origins, pathways, or developments, revealing unknown or hidden details. Following, on the other hand, presupposes a known path or sequence and entails staying true to it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
In practical contexts, one might trace a person’s ancestry to uncover familial roots and heritage, delving into records and histories. In contrast, one might follow a recipe, adhering to listed ingredients and step-by-step instructions, to cook a dish. Here, tracing uncovers and reveals, while following replicates and adheres.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
In the technological realm, to trace might mean to uncover the path or origin of data or communications, investigating links and connections. To follow in technology might imply adhering to a sequence of operations or algorithms, or it could mean to subscribe to updates or feeds from specific sources or platforms.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
In artistic contexts, tracing can refer to copying by following lines appearing through translucent paper, replicating an existing image or design. Following, in the same context, could mean creating art by adhering to a style, technique, or trend, reflecting established norms or practices.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To discover or uncover by investigation.
To go or come after; to adhere to instructions or directions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Implication
Uncovering unknown or hidden details.
Replicating or adhering to known sequences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Context
Broader, involving search and discovery.
Generally more straightforward, involving obedience or adherence.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Outcome
Revelation of information or history.
Completion or continuation of a sequence or path.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
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Trace and Follow Definitions
Trace
Trace means to discover or find out by investigation.
Detectives are working to trace the origins of the illegal substance.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow means to come or go after.
The ducklings follow their mother everywhere.
Harlon Moss
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Trace implies copying by following lines through translucent paper.
She used tracing paper to trace the image.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow implies adhering to instructions or directions.
Please follow the recipe to ensure the dish turns out well.
Harlon Moss
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A visible mark, such as a footprint, made or left by the passage of a person, animal, or thing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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Follow
Follow denotes being a logical consequence.
Success will follow hard work.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Evidence or an indication of the former presence or existence of something; a vestige
Left without a trace of having been there.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
An extremely small amount or barely perceivable indication
Spoke with a trace of sarcasm.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To go after in pursuit
Would follow his enemy to the ends of the earth.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A constituent, such as a chemical compound or element, present in quantities less than a standard limit.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A path or trail that has been beaten out by the passage of animals or people.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
An act of researching or ascertaining the origin or location of something
Put a trace on the phone call.
Asked for a trace on a lost package.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To move in the direction of; be guided by
Followed the sun westward.
Followed the signs to the zoo.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
The point at which a line, or the curve in which a surface, intersects a coordinate plane.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To accept the guidance, command, or leadership of
Follow a spiritual master.
Rebels who refused to follow their leader.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
One of two side straps or chains connecting a harnessed draft animal to a vehicle or whiffletree.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To take as a model or precedent; imitate
Followed my example and resigned.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A bar or rod, hinged at either end to another part, that transfers movement from one part of a machine to another.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To act in agreement or compliance with; obey
Follow the rules.
Follow one's instincts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To go along or follow (a path, for example)
We traced the trail up the mountain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To ascertain the successive stages in the development or progress of
Tracing the life cycle of an insect.
Trace the history of a family.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To discover or determine by searching or researching evidence
Trace the cause of a disease.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To bring something about at a later time than or as a consequence of
She followed her lecture with a question-and-answer period. The band followed its hit album with a tour.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To locate or ascertain the origin of
Traced the money to a foreign bank account.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To occur or be evident as a consequence of
Your conclusion does not follow your premise.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To keep oneself informed of the course, progress, or fortunes of
Follow the stock market.
Followed the local teams.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To follow closely (a prescribed pattern)
The skater traced a figure eight.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To grasp the meaning or logic of; understand
Do you follow my argument?.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To imprint (a design) by pressure with an instrument on a superimposed pattern.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To come, move, or take place after another person or thing in order or time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To make a design or series of markings on (a surface) by such pressure on a pattern.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To occur or be evident as a consequence; result
If you ignore your diet, trouble will follow.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(Games) A billiards shot in which the cue ball is struck above center so that it follows the path of the object ball after impact.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To have origins; be traceable
Linguistic features that trace to West Africa.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(ambitransitive) To go after; to pursue; to move behind in the same path or direction, especially with the intent of catching.
Follow that car!
She left the room and I followed.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Occurring in extremely small amounts or in quantities less than a standard limit.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(ambitransitive) To go or come after in a sequence.
B follows A in the alphabet.
We both ordered the soup, with roast beef to follow.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
An act of tracing.
Your cell phone company can put a trace on your line.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(transitive) To carry out (orders, instructions, etc.).
Follow these instructions to the letter.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
An enquiry sent out for a missing article, such as a letter or an express package.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(transitive) To live one's life according to (religion, teachings, etc).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A residue of some substance or material.
There are traces of chocolate around your lips.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(transitive) To watch, to keep track of (reports of) some event or person.
I followed the incumbent throughout the election.
My friends don't regularly follow the news.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To subscribe to see content from an account on a social media platform.
If you want to see more of our articles, follow us on Twitter.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
(electronics) A current-carrying conductive pathway on a printed circuit board.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(ambitransitive) To be a logical consequence of something.
It follows that if two numbers are not equal then one is larger than the other.
If you don't practise proper hygiene, illness is sure to follow.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
(transitive) To walk in, as a road or course; to attend upon closely, as a profession or calling.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
One of two straps, chains, or ropes of a harness, extending from the collar or breastplate to a whippletree attached to a vehicle or thing to be drawn; a tug.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
In billiards and similar games, a stroke causing a ball to follow another ball after hitting it.
A follow shot
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
(engineering) A connecting bar or rod, pivoted at each end to the end of another piece, for transmitting motion, especially from one plane to another; specifically, such a piece in an organ stop action to transmit motion from the trundle to the lever actuating the stop slider.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To go or come after; to move behind in the same path or direction; hence, to go with (a leader, guide, etc.); to accompany; to attend.
It waves me forth again; I'll follow it.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
(geometry) The intersection of a plane of projection, or an original plane, with a coordinate plane.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To endeavor to overtake; to go in pursuit of; to chase; to pursue; to prosecute.
I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To accept as authority; to adopt the opinions of; to obey; to yield to; to take as a rule of action; as, to follow good advice.
Approve the best, and follow what I approve
Follow peace with all men.
It is most agreeable to some men to follow their reason; and to others to follow their appetites.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
(grammar) An empty category occupying a position in the syntactic structure from which something has been moved, used to explain constructions such as wh-movement and the passive.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To copy after; to take as an example.
We had rather follow the perfections of them whom we like not, than in defects resemble them whom we love.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To result from, as an effect from a cause, or an inference from a premise.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
(transitive) To draw or sketch lightly or with care.
He carefully traced the outlines of the old building before him.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To watch, as a receding object; to keep the eyes fixed upon while in motion; to keep the mind upon while in progress, as a speech, musical performance, etc.; also, to keep up with; to understand the meaning, connection, or force of, as of a course of thought or argument.
He followed with his eyes the flitting shade.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
(transitive) To copy onto a sheet of paper superimposed over the original, by drawing over its lines.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To walk in, as a road or course; to attend upon closely, as a profession or calling.
O, had I but followed the arts!
O Antony! I have followed thee to this.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To go or come after; - used in the various senses of the transitive verb: To pursue; to attend; to accompany; to be a result; to imitate.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
The art or process of following; specif., in some games, as billiards, a stroke causing a ball to follow another ball after hitting it. Also used adjectively; as, follow shot.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To travel behind, go after, come after;
The ducklings followed their mother around the pond
Please follow the guide through the museum
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To follow the execution of the program by making it to stop after every instruction, or by making it print a message after every step.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
One of two straps, chains, or ropes of a harness, extending from the collar or breastplate to a whiffletree attached to a vehicle or thing to be drawn; a tug.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Come as a logical consequence; follow logically;
It follows that your assertion is false
The theorem falls out nicely
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A connecting bar or rod, pivoted at each end to the end of another piece, for transmitting motion, esp. from one plane to another; specif., such a piece in an organ-stop action to transmit motion from the trundle to the lever actuating the stop slider.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A mark left by anything passing; a track; a path; a course; a footprint; a vestige; as, the trace of a carriage or sled; the trace of a deer; a sinuous trace.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes;
He complied with my instructions
You must comply or else!
Follow these simple rules
Abide by the rules
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A very small quantity of an element or compound in a given substance, especially when so small that the amount is not quantitatively determined in an analysis; - hence, in stating an analysis, often contracted to tr.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Come after in time, as a result;
A terrible tsunami followed the earthquake
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A mark, impression, or visible appearance of anything left when the thing itself no longer exists; remains; token; vestige.
The shady empire shall retain no traceOf war or blood, but in the sylvan chase.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Behave in accordance or in agreement with;
Follow a pattern
Follow my example
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
The intersection of a plane of projection, or an original plane, with a coordinate plane.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans;
She followed the feminist movement
The candidate espouses Republican ideals
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To mark out; to draw or delineate with marks; especially, to copy, as a drawing or engraving, by following the lines and marking them on a sheet superimposed, through which they appear; as, to trace a figure or an outline; a traced drawing.
Some faintly traced features or outline of the mother and the child, slowly lading into the twilight of the woods.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To bring something about at a later time than;
She followed dinner with a brandy
He followed his lecture with a question and answer period
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To follow by some mark that has been left by a person or thing which has preceded; to follow by footsteps, tracks, or tokens.
You may trace the deluge quite round the globe.
I feel thy power . . . to trace the waysOf highest agents.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Imitate in behavior; take as a model;
Teenagers follow their friends in everything
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Hence, to follow the trace or track of.
How all the way the prince on footpace traced.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something;
We must follow closely the economic development is Cuba
Trace the student's progress
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To copy; to imitate.
That servile path thou nobly dost decline,Of tracing word, and line by line.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow with the eyes or the mind;
Keep an eye on the baby, please!
The world is watching Sarajevo
She followed the men with the binoculars
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To walk over; to pass through; to traverse.
We do tracethis alley up and down.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Be the successor (of);
Carter followed Ford
Will Charles succeed to the throne?
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Perform an accompaniment to;
The orchestra could barely follow the frequent pitch changes of the soprano
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
An indication that something has been present;
There wasn't a trace of evidence for the claim
A tincture of condescension
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
To be the product or result;
Melons come from a vine
Understanding comes from experience
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A suggestion of some quality;
There was a touch of sarcasm in his tone
He detected a ghost of a smile on her face
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Accept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of;
Let's follow our great helmsman!
She followed a guru for years
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Adhere to or practice;
These people still follow the laws of their ancient religion
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Either of two lines that connect a horse's harness to a wagon or other vehicle or to a whiffletree
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function;
He is a herpetologist
She is our resident philosopher
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
A visible mark (as a footprint) left by the passage of person or animal or vehicle
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something;
We must follow closely the economic development is Cuba
Trace the student's progress
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow in or as if in pursuit;
The police car pursued the suspected attacker
Her bad deed followed her and haunted her dreams all her life
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Grasp the meaning;
Can you follow her argument?
When he lectures, I cannot follow
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
To go back over again;
We retraced the route we took last summer
Trace your path
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Pursue or chase relentlessly;
The hunters traced the deer into the woods
The detectives hounded the suspect until they found the him
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow can refer to understanding a line of thought or argument.
I couldn’t follow his logic on that argument.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 29, 2023
Follow
Follow can mean to observe or note.
Follow the developments in the case closely.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Make one's course or travel along a path; travel or pass over, around, or along;
The children traced along the edge of the drak forest
The women traced the pasture
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Copy by following the lines of the original drawing on a transparent sheet placed upon it; make a tracing of;
Trace a design
Trace a pattern
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Read with difficulty;
Can you decipher this letter?
The archeologist traced the hieroglyphs
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Trace can refer to a very small quantity, a remnant.
There is a trace of nut in this product.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Trace can mean to outline or delineate.
The artist traced the mountain’s silhouette with precision.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Trace
Trace denotes tracking or following a course or pathway.
Scientists can trace the migration patterns of birds.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
FAQs
Can following be passive?
Yes, one can passively follow instructions or guidelines without active engagement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is it necessary to understand something to follow it?
No, it’s possible to follow something, like a routine, without fully understanding it.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Does trace always imply physical tracking?
No, tracing can also mean investigating intangible things like data or history.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can tracing be done with objects or substances?
Yes, you can trace amounts of substances or the outline of objects.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can follow mean to come after in time?
Yes, follow can denote chronological sequence, e.g., Tuesday follows Monday.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Is tracing related to drawing?
Yes, tracing in art involves copying an image by following its lines through translucent paper.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can a trace be a small amount?
Yes, trace often refers to a tiny, barely detectable amount or remnant.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can follow imply observation or surveillance?
Yes, follow can mean to observe or monitor someone’s actions or movements closely.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Is tracing always about finding the origin?
Not necessarily; tracing can also involve following a path or copying an outline.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can you follow a person’s example?
Absolutely, following someone’s example means imitating their behavior or actions.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Can follow imply a consequence?
Yes, follow can denote a result or effect, e.g., rewards follow hard work.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Can tracing imply reconstructing a series of events?
Yes, tracing can involve recreating a sequence of events to understand a situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can you follow a career or a path?
Yes, you can follow a career or path, meaning pursuing a specific profession or course in life.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Is tracing only related to the past?
Mostly, but tracing can also refer to real-time tracking, like tracing a moving object.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is a trace tangible?
It can be, like a trace of lipstick, but it can also be intangible, like a trace of an emotion in a text.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
