discover
dih-SKUH-vuh
Discover (verb) means to find or learn something for the first time. Example: “Scientists discovered a new species of frog deep in the rainforest.”
verb
1
To find or learn something for the first time.
"Scientists discovered a new species of frog deep in the rainforest."
"She discovered that her flight had been cancelled just hours before departure."
"While clearing the attic, we discovered a box of old family photographs."
2
To realize or become aware of something.
"He discovered a real talent for painting during lockdown."
"I discovered too late that I had left my wallet on the train."
"When she opened the letter, she discovered how much the house was worth."
How to use discover
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo find something new, or to become aware of a fact for the first time.
Common pairings
discover a cure
discover the truth
newly discovered
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- discovers
- Past tense
- discovered
- Archaic forms
- discoverest, discoveredst, discovereth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists _____ a new species of frog deep in the rainforest.
Etymology
From Old French descovrir, "to uncover," from Latin dis- plus cooperire ("to cover completely") — literally, to remove a covering.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for discover
See all rhymes for discover →Frequently asked questions
What does “discover” mean?
The word “discover” means to find or learn something for the first time. In plain terms, to find something new, or to become aware of a fact for the first time.
How do you pronounce “discover”?
“Discover” is pronounced dih-SKUH-vuh (/dɪˈskʌvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “discover” in a sentence?
Here is “discover” used in a sentence: “Scientists discovered a new species of frog deep in the rainforest.”
What is another word for “discover”?
Words with a similar meaning to “discover” include catch, check, come upon, detect, determine and disinter.
What is the opposite of “discover”?
The opposite of “discover” — its antonyms — are conceal, cover, cover up, hide and miss.
What part of speech is “discover”?
“Discover” is a verb.
Where does the word “discover” come from?
The word “discover” comes from Latin. From Old French descovrir, "to uncover," from Latin dis- plus cooperire ("to cover completely") — literally, to remove a covering.
Is “discover” a common word?
“Discover” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between discover and invent?
You discover something that already existed but was unknown, such as a planet, a species, or a fact. You invent something that did not exist before, such as a machine or a process, so scientists discovered electricity's properties but inventors created the light bulb.
What is the difference between discover and find?
Find is the general word for coming across something, whether or not it is new, as in finding your keys. Discover implies finding or learning something for the first time, often something significant or previously unknown, which is why explorers and researchers discover rather than merely find.
Can discover mean to realize something?
Yes, discover commonly means to become aware of a fact, as in she discovered that the door had been left unlocked. In this sense it is close to realize or find out, rather than physically locating something.
What is the difference between discover and explore?
Explore means to travel through or examine a place or subject in order to learn about it, and it describes the ongoing process. Discover refers to the moment of actually finding or learning something new, so explorers explore a region and may discover a river within it.
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