discover

verb

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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Other Words from discover

discoverable \ di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rə-bəl

\ adjective

discoverer \ di-ˈskə-vər-ər

\ noun

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

As Lyman said in introducing McPoland and the band, the Warped Tour is all about discovering new bands. — Chuck Yarborough, cleveland.com, "Warped Tour makes a triumphant start to final year with killer performances, exhibit at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame," 8 June 2019 There are some 700 species of Tillandsia, including one that Koide-Hyatt discovered in Mexico in the 1980s. — Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Bromeliads featured in fair garden, talks," 7 June 2019 The police claimed to have found a stash of drugs in his backpack, and released photos of a small drug lab supposedly discovered in his apartment. — The Economist, "A journalist’s arrest is a worrying sign of impunity in Russia," 7 June 2019 Scientists have never actually seen the vast majority of the 4,000 exoplanets, or planets orbiting stars other than our own, discovered in the last three decades. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Astronomers Snap a Rare Picture of Two Baby Planets," 7 June 2019 Next, Budd opens the washroom door and discovers a woman named Nadia (Anjli Mohindra) with explosives strapped to her body. — Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, "How the Editor of 'Bodyguard' Heightened Tension in That Nail-Biting Train Sequence," 7 June 2019 The relationships help students who are on the brink of success build self-confidence, develop communication and interpersonal skills, discover their passions and find meaningful connections between school and the future. — Houston Chronicle, "Spring Branch Education Foundation announces 2019 grants," 7 June 2019 The body of another woman was discovered in a vacant building five days later, Craig said. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, "Detroit police are looking for a possible serial killer and rapist targeting sex workers," 6 June 2019 From a woman who required life-altering surgery to treat a condition that could be linked to the chemicals that had been widely discovered in the local water supply. — Laura Mccrystal, https://www.inquirer.com, "Setting clean water standards is the EPA’s job. Pa. and other states are doing it instead.," 6 June 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

12 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for discover

The first known use of discover was in the 14th century

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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.