Discover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discover

[dษชหˆskสŒvษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

exploration

Find (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search.

Synonyms

detect, find, locate, reveal, uncover.

Examples of usage

  • She discovered a hidden talent for painting.
  • The police discovered a cache of weapons in the basement.
  • Scientists discovered a new species of fish in the deep sea.
  • The explorer discovered ancient ruins in the jungle.
  • I discovered a great new restaurant in the neighborhood.
Context #2 | Verb

information

Become aware of (a fact or situation).

Synonyms

ascertain, grasp, learn, realize, understand.

Examples of usage

  • I discovered that she had been lying to me all this time.
  • He discovered the truth about his family history.
  • We discovered a loophole in the contract that could work in our favor.
Context #3 | Noun

science

A person or thing that is discovered.

Synonyms

discovery, finding, realization, revelation, uncovering.

Examples of usage

  • The new planet was a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astronomy.
  • The archaeologist made an important discovery at the dig site.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • In the Age of Exploration, 'discover' was often used to describe explorers finding new lands, impacting modern geography.
  • Many discoveries in medicine, like penicillin, were accidents that changed the worldโ€™s health.
  • The discovery of fire was pivotal in human evolution, providing warmth and a way to cook food.

Science

  • In science, significant discoveries are often the basis for new theories, like the discovery of gravity by Isaac Newton.
  • The process of scientific discovery involves experimentation and observation to reveal new facts about the world.
  • Astronomy has led to many great discoveries, such as new planets and phenomena like black holes.

Pop Culture

  • 'Discovery' is a theme in many adventure films, like 'Indiana Jones', showcasing the thrill of finding ancient artifacts.
  • The 'Discovery Channel' popularizes exploration and science by revealing the wonders of nature and technology.
  • Video games often include mechanics where players 'discover' hidden levels or items, adding excitement to gameplay.

Psychology

  • Discovering your own interests and talents can lead to greater personal happiness and fulfillment.
  • The act of discovery can spark curiosity, greatly enhancing learning and cognitive growth.
  • In therapy, clients often discover deep-rooted emotions or memories that help them understand their behaviors.

Origin of 'discover'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'discoverire', which means to uncover or reveal.
  • The prefix 'dis-' suggests removal, while 'coper' relates to covering something.
  • Initially, it was commonly used in English to refer to revealing a hidden location or truth.

The word 'discover' originated from the Middle English word 'discoveren', which came from the Old French word 'descovrir', meaning 'uncover'. The Latin root 'dis-' means 'apart' or 'away', and 'cooperire' means 'to cover'. Over time, 'discover' evolved to represent finding or revealing something previously unknown. The concept of discovery is fundamental to human curiosity and exploration, driving progress and knowledge in various fields.


See also: discoverable, discovered, discoveries, discovering, discovery, undiscovered.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,170, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.