unearth

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