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Definition of discover

discover

/dɪˈskʌv.ɚ/
dis · cov · er
Adjective:discoverable
•
Past Simple:discovered
•
Past Participle:discovered
•
Present Participle:discovering
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discover Lexical Profile

discover Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To find something unexpectedly or during a search.

Example

"Archaeologists hope to discover ancient artifacts beneath the ruins of the temple."

2

To become aware of a fact or situation; to learn or realize.

Example

"She was thrilled to discover that her research paper had been accepted for publication."

3

To be the first to find, observe, or prove the existence of a place, substance, or scientific phenomenon.

Example

"Alexander Fleming was the scientist who managed to discover penicillin in 1928."

4

To recognize the talent of an unknown person and help launch their career in entertainment, arts, or sports.

Example

"A talent scout happened to discover the young singer performing at a local cafe."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for discover
Antonyms
View all antonyms for discover

Word Nuance & Usage

'Discover' means to find or learn about something that already existed before, whereas 'invent' means to create something entirely new that did not previously exist.

• Rhymes for discover

• Nearby Words

discourteous
discourteously
discourtesy
discover
discoverability
discoverable
discoverer

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English discoveren, borrowed from Old French descovrir ('to uncover, disclose, betray'), from Late Latin discooperire ('to uncover'), formed from dis- ('opposite of') and cooperire ('to cover completely').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Discover. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/discover
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