discover

[dih-skuhv-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to see, get knowledge of, learn of, find, or find out; gain sight or knowledge of (something previously unseen or unknown).

   to discover America;

   to discover electricity.

   Synonyms: notice, ferret out, unearth, ascertain, discern, descry, detect

2. to notice or realize.

   I discovered I didn't have my credit card with me when I went to pay my bill.

3. Archaic.,  to make known; reveal; disclose.

discover

/ dɪˈskʌvə /

verb

1. to be the first to find or find out about

   Fleming discovered penicillin

2. to learn about or encounter for the first time; realize

   she discovered the pleasures of wine

3. to find after study or search

   I discovered a leak in the tank

4. to reveal or make known

Other Word Forms

• discoverer noun
• discoverable adjective
• discoverably adverb
• nondiscoverable adjective
• prediscover verb (used with object)
• rediscover verb (used with object)
• undiscoverable adjective
• undiscovered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discover¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English discouere(n), descuvere(n), from Anglo-French discoverir, descovrir, from Old French descovrir, descuvrir, from Late Latin discooperīre “to disclose, expose”; dis- ¹, cover

Synonym Study

Discover, invent, originate suggest bringing to light something previously unknown. To discover may be to find something that had previously existed but had hitherto been unknown: to discover a new electricity; it may also refer to devising a new use for something already known: to discover how to make synthetic rubber. To invent is to make or create something new, especially something ingeniously devised to perform mechanical operations: to invent a device for detecting radioactivity. To originate is to begin something new, especially new ideas, methods, etc.: to originate a political movement, the use of assembly-line techniques.

Example Sentences

Last year, federal officials discovered damage inside the tubes that could further restrict water flow when reservoir levels are low.

From Los Angeles Times

"This gift is given in her memory, so that others may discover the same beauty and inspiration in art that meant so much to her."

From BBC

It's worth noting that none of those issues - the possible house stay, the charity, or the continued friendship - were discovered during the vetting process.

From BBC

She discovered the missed appointment was meant for someone else with the same name.

From BBC

Nathan's brother Lee Evans said they would not give up in their attempts to discover what happened and that his brother "hasn't been given any thought or justice".

From BBC

Related Words

• catch 
• come upon 
• design 
• detect 
• determine 
• devise 
• disclose 
• explore 
• hear 
• identify 
• invent 
• learn 
• locate 
• notice 
• observe 
• realize 
• recognize 
• reveal 
• see 
• spot 

When To Use

What are other ways to say discover?

To discover something is to see, get knowledge of, or find it. How does discover differ from learn, ascertain, and detect? Find out on Thesaurus.com.