find
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for find, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To come across or discover something, whether by chance or by searching for it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use find
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English findan, related to German finden and Dutch vinden, ultimately from a very old root meaning "to go" or "to travel a path" — the idea being that you find something by making your way to it.
Full origin of find →Frequently asked questions
What does “find” mean?
The word “find” means to come across or discover something, whether by chance or by searching for it. In plain terms, to locate or discover something, or to reach a conclusion about it.
How do you pronounce “find”?
“Find” is pronounced FYND (/ˈfaɪ̯nd/ in IPA).
How do you use “find” in a sentence?
Here is “find” used in a sentence: “I find it hard to believe he did that on purpose.”
What part of speech is “find”?
Depending on how it is used, “find” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “find” come from?
The word “find” comes from Old English. From Old English findan, related to German finden and Dutch vinden, ultimately from a very old root meaning "to go" or "to travel a path" — the idea being that you find something by making your way to it.
Is “find” a common word?
“Find” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “find” have?
“Find” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to come across or discover something, whether by chance or by searching for it.
What is the difference between 'find' and 'found'?
'Found' is usually the past tense of 'find' — 'I find it today; I found it yesterday.' Confusingly, 'found' is also a separate verb meaning to establish something, as in 'to found a company.' So depending on the sentence, 'found' can mean either 'discovered' or 'set up.'
What is the difference between 'find' and 'search'?
'Search' is the act of looking for something; 'find' is the result of succeeding. You search first and, if you are lucky, you find. You can search for hours without finding anything, but you cannot find something without it turning up. One is the effort, the other the outcome.
What is the opposite of 'find'?
The main opposite is 'lose,' meaning to no longer have or be able to locate something. Depending on context, 'misplace,' 'overlook,' or 'miss' can also serve. If 'find' means to discover by searching, then failing to find is simply to 'search in vain.'