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

“For over a decade, NeueHouse has served as a center of creativity, community, design and innovation where trailblazers have convened to push boundaries and discover new ideas,” said the board in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The device was discovered shortly before Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

From BBC

Deputies discovered the makeshift living space in an unincorporated area of Clackamas County, near Portland.

From Los Angeles Times

How could any son not be shaken to the core after discovering that he not only killed his father but married his mother and sired his own siblings!

From Los Angeles Times

The earl is shocked to discover that the family would have neighbors and that he’d have to “go along” the hallway to bed rather than ascend the stairs as he would in a grand home.

From Los Angeles Times

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.