discover

verb

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dis·cov·er | \ di-ˈskə-vər

discovered; discovering\ di-ˈskə-v(ə-)riŋ

Definition of discover

transitive verb

1a : to make known or visible : expose discovering himself … as her adoring and magnanimous lover— T. L. Peacock

b archaic : display

2a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : find discover the solution discovered a new Italian restaurant

b : find out discovered he was out of gas

intransitive verb

: to make a discovery

Other Words from discover Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about discover

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Choose the Right Synonym for discover

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know. discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter. discovered the source of the river ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty. attempts to ascertain the population of the region determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely. unable to determine the origin of the word unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden. unearth old records learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice. I learned her name only today learning Greek

Examples of discover in a Sentence

Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. Several new species of plants have recently been discovered. It took her several weeks to discover the solution. The tests have discovered problems in the current design. She soon discovered what had been going on.

Recent Examples on the Web The only way to overcome this threat is to discover new agents against malaria that are safe, effective and affordable. — Richard Gordon, Quartz Africa, "As resistance to anti-malarial drugs spreads, these scientists are racing to stem the tide," 19 Nov. 2019 The other elephant exporter Ammann discovered is called Soutchai Travel, a company based in Vientiane. — Paul Kvinta, Outside Online, "I Bought an Elephant to Find Out How to Save Them," 12 Nov. 2019 Now, Android Police discovered that Google has quietly started adding extensions of 6 to 12 months to each model. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Google's Chrome OS 78 gives Chromebooks virtual desktops, click-to-call, and longer support spans," 5 Nov. 2019 The man who was determined to hold people accountable now had to discover if these allegations were true. — AZCentral.com, "Listen to our new podcast, 'Rediscovering: Don Bolles, murdered Arizona journalist'," 2 Nov. 2019 Now, in both tourism and progressive governance, there is money to be made and votes to be won by maintaining the rose-colored legacy of America treasuring and loving these natural wonders put there by a higher power for white settlers to discover. — Nick Martin, The New Republic, "The Cruel Lottery to Save America’s Public Lands," 28 Oct. 2019 The smell test WeWork’s faulty booths were discovered when UBS employees complained of a strange odor wafting into their office in Weehawken, New Jersey. — Anne Quito, Quartz at Work, "Must every office phone booth feel like an upright coffin?," 22 Nov. 2019 The teen also discovered from his father that the process for getting an absentee ballot was confusing. — The Christian Science Monitor, "A triumph of truth about China’s detention camps," 19 Nov. 2019 After moving in, Vazquez discovered that the plumbing was completely clogged, the sink didn't function, the floor was rotted and the ceiling had started to collapse, the complaint said. — Crystal Hill, Indianapolis Star, "Real estate business owner accused of discriminating against Latino community to pay $395K," 12 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discover.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

27 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Discover.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discover?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=d&file=discov01. Accessed 7 December 2019.

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More Definitions for discover

discover

verb

English Language Learners Definition of discover

: to see, find, or become aware of (something) for the first time

: to show the presence of (something hidden or difficult to see) : to make (something) known

: to learn or find out (something surprising or unexpected)

See the full definition for discover in the English Language Learners Dictionary

discover

verb

dis·cov·er | \ di-ˈskə-vər

discovered; discovering

Kids Definition of discover

: to find out, see, or learn of especially for the first time : find Scientists have discovered a new species. She discovered a hole in her shirt.

discover

transitive verb

dis·cov·er