discover
To find or become aware of something for the first time.
Word facts
Definition
To discover something means to find it, learn about it, or become aware of it for the first time — especially when it was previously hidden, unknown, or not obvious. Discovery can happen through exploration, research, experimentation, or simply paying close attention.
Usage: Discover implies that something already existed but was unknown. Invent means creating something that did not exist before. Columbus discovered the Americas (from Europe's perspective); Edison invented the phonograph.
Example sentences
- 1
Scientists discovered a new species of deep-sea fish near an underwater volcanic vent.
- 2
She discovered her love for painting at the age of thirty-five, quite by accident.
- 3
He discovered the critical error in the data only after the report had already been sent.
Word family
From Old French descouvrir and Latin discooperire ('to uncover'), from dis- ('the opposite of') + cooperire ('to cover'). To discover is literally to 'un-cover' — to remove the cover from something hidden.
Dis + cover. To discover something is to remove the cover from it — to uncover it for the first time.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the noun form of discover?
The noun form is discovery. Example: The discovery of penicillin changed the course of medicine.
How many syllables does discover have?
Discover has 3 syllables: dis-cov-er. The stress is on the second syllable: dis-COV-er.
What is the difference between discover and invent?
You discover something that already existed but was unknown (discover a new star, discover a cure). You invent something that did not exist before (invent a machine, invent a process).
What does 'self-discovery' mean?
Self-discovery is the process of learning about your own personality, values, strengths, and feelings — often through new experiences or reflection.