线索
A sign or some information that helps you to find the answer to a problem, question, or mystery. In research, it refers to preliminary evidence.
Examples
3 of 5警察正在寻找破案的线索。
The police are looking for clues to solve the case.
这篇文章为我们的进一步研究提供了线索。
This article provides clues for our further research.
我们目前还没有任何关于该病毒起源的线索。
We don't have any clues about the origin of the virus yet.
Word Family
Memory Tip
线 (thread) + 索 (rope/search). Imagine following a thread to find the answer.
Quick Quiz
通过分析病人的病历，医生找到了病因的___。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 线索
Examples
警察正在寻找破案的线索。
everydayThe police are looking for clues to solve the case.
这篇文章为我们的进一步研究提供了线索。
academicThis article provides clues for our further research.
我们目前还没有任何关于该病毒起源的线索。
academicWe don't have any clues about the origin of the virus yet.
他的话里隐藏着一些有用的线索。
informalThere were some useful clues hidden in his words.
我们需要把所有的线索拼凑在一起。
neutralWe need to piece all the clues together.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
蛛丝马迹
traces/clues (idiom)
断了线索
lost the lead/clue
线索中断
clue interrupted
Often Confused With
证据 (evidence) is a proven fact used in court or for a theory, while 线索 (clue) is just a hint that leads you toward the truth.
Usage Notes
Common in IELTS Reading passages about science, archaeology, or detective-style histories.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse with '线' (line). '线索' is always abstract information.
Memory Tip
线 (thread) + 索 (rope/search). Imagine following a thread to find the answer.
Word Origin
Originally referred to threads or cords used to guide or find things.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
通过分析病人的病历，医生找到了病因的___。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 线索
Related Vocabulary
To carry out a systematic investigation into a subject to es...
迹象A sign, indication, or trace that something is present or ab...
推断To reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. A cor...
证据The available body of facts or information indicating whethe...
事实Something that is known to have happened or to exist, especi...
More research words
显示
B1To show or demonstrate something clearly, often through data, evidence, or physical display. It is used to present findings in academic reports.
追踪
B1To track, follow, or trace the progress or location of something over time. In research, it refers to longitudinal studies or monitoring data changes.
定性
B1Relating to the quality or nature of something rather than its quantity; used in research that uses non-numerical data.
定量
B1Relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality; used in research involving numbers.
依托
B1To rely on, depend on, or use something as a supporting framework or base. It is often used for projects based on a specific foundation.
对照
B1To compare two or more things side by side to see the differences or to check for accuracy. In research, it refers to the use of a control group.
访谈
B1A formal meeting in which one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate another. In research, it is a qualitative data collection method.
问卷
B1A set of printed or written questions with a choice of answers, devised for the purposes of a survey or statistical study.
可靠
B1Able to be trusted; consistent in quality or performance. In academics, it refers to the reliability of data, sources, or experimental results.
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