discover

play

verb dis·cov·er \dis-ˈkə-vər\

Definition of discover

discovered

;

discovering

play \-ˈkə-v(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb
1a : to make known or visible : expose discovering himself … as her adoring and magnanimous lover — T. L. Peacockb archaic : display
2a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : find discover the solution when Europeans first discovered the Americasb : find out discovered he was out of gas
intransitive verb
: to make a discovery

discoverable

play \-ˈkə-v(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

discoverer

play \-ər-ər\ noun

See discover defined for English-language learners

See discover defined for kids

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.

Origin and Etymology of discover

Middle English, from Anglo-French descoverir, descovrir, from Late Latin discooperire, from Latin dis- + cooperire to cover — more at cover

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

DISCOVER Defined for English Language Learners

discover

play

verb

Definition of discover for English Language Learners

: 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)

DISCOVER Defined for Kids

discover

play

verb dis·cov·er \di-ˈskə-vər\

Definition of discover for Students

discovered

;

discovering

: 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.

discoverer

noun

Law Dictionary

discover

transitive verb dis·cov·er

Legal Definition of discover

1 : to find out about, recognize, or realize for the first time when the victim discovers the fraud — see also discovery rule
2a : to make the subject of discovery b : to learn of or obtain (information) through discovery