discover

[dih-skuhv-er] /dɪˈskʌv ər/
verb (used with object)
1.
to see, get knowledge of, learn of, find, or find out; gain sight or knowledge of (something previously unseen or unknown):
to discover America; to discover electricity.
Synonyms: detect, espy, descry, discern, ascertain, unearth, ferret out, notice.
2.
to notice or realize:
I discovered I didn't have my credit card with me when I went to pay my bill.
3.
Archaic. to make known; reveal; disclose.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English < Anglo-French discoverir, descovrir, Old French descovrir < Late Latin discooperīre. See dis-1, cover
Related forms
discoverable, adjective
discoverably, adverb
nondiscoverable, adjective
prediscover, verb (used with object)
rediscover, verb (used with object)
undiscoverable, adjective
undiscovered, adjective
Synonym Study
1. Discover, invent, originate suggest bringing to light something previously unknown. To discover may be to find something that had previously existed but had hitherto been unknown: to discover a new electricity; it may also refer to devising a new use for something already known: to discover how to make synthetic rubber. To invent is to make or create something new, especially something ingeniously devised to perform mechanical operations: to invent a device for detecting radioactivity. To originate is to begin something new, especially new ideas, methods, etc.: to originate a political movement, the use of assembly-line techniques. See also learn.
Examples from the web for discover
  • discover said it does not plan to name a replacement.
  • When people are alone with their own thoughts, she said, that's when they have great epiphanies and get to discover who they are.
  • But you are more likely than you were in the past to discover something useful through a chance encounter.
  • discover answers about your ancestors in historical records and create your family tree.
  • Dangerous bacteria are developing resistance to existing antibiotics faster than humans can invent or discover new drugs.
  • There's something refreshing about this city that clears the air of your soul and allows you to discover your true self.
  • discover traveling exhibits and more information about the gallery's exquisite pieces online.
  • We'll discover a wide spectrum of execution, ranging from triumphs to stumbles to out-right failures.
  • There was always a goal in mind, but also room for improvisation, and you never knew what you might discover along the way.
  • Other users can discover them based on this information as well as by browsing the photos.
British Dictionary definitions for discover

discover

/dɪˈskʌvə/
verb (transitive; may take a clause as object)
1.
to be the first to find or find out about: Fleming discovered penicillin
2.
to learn about or encounter for the first time; realize: she discovered the pleasures of wine
3.
to find after study or search: I discovered a leak in the tank
4.
to reveal or make known
Derived Forms
discoverable, adjective
discoverer, noun
Word Origin and History for discover
v.

c.1300, "divulge, reveal, disclose," from Old French descovrir "uncover, unroof, unveil, reveal, betray," from Late Latin discooperire, from Latin dis- "opposite of" (see dis-) + cooperire "to cover up" (see cover). At first with a sense of betrayal or malicious exposure (discoverer originally meant "informant"); the meaning "to obtain knowledge or sight of what was not known" is from 1550s. Related: Discovered; discovering.