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Find: meaning, definitions and examples

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find

 

[faɪnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

search for something

To find means to discover or locate something that was previously unknown. It can also refer to coming across something unexpectedly or unintentionally.

Synonyms

discover, locate, uncover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
find

Used for a general discovery or the act of coming across something by chance or with effort. It's commonly used in everyday scenarios.

  • I can't find my keys anywhere.
  • She found a great new restaurant in town.
discover

Used when finding something that was previously unknown or when learning something new for the first time. Often used in scientific or exploratory contexts.

  • Scientists discovered a new species of butterfly.
  • He discovered that he had a talent for painting.
locate

Used for precisely finding the position of something, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • The GPS can help you locate your car.
  • They located the source of the noise in the engine.
uncover

Used when finding something hidden, secret, or not immediately obvious. Often used in investigative or revealing contexts.

  • The journalist uncovered a corruption scandal.
  • We need to uncover the truth about what happened.

Examples of usage

  • I need to find my keys before I leave the house.
  • She found a rare coin while gardening.
Context #2 | Verb

to establish the truth or existence of something

In a more abstract sense, to find can mean to establish the truth or existence of something. It can also refer to forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion about something.

Synonyms

ascertain, determine, establish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
find

This is used in everyday situations when you discover or locate something. It's casual and can be used in personal or professional contexts.

  • I need to find my keys before we leave.
  • He found a new job in the city.
determine

Often used in scientific, investigative, or decision-making contexts when you need to figure out something through reasoning or analysis.

  • The scientists will determine the best method for the experiment.
  • We need to determine the source of the error.
establish

This is used in formal contexts, including business, legal, or scientific scenarios, when you need to set up, create, or verify something with a sense of permanence or authority.

  • The committee will establish new guidelines for the project.
  • She helped establish the company's first overseas office.
ascertain

This is more formal and is often used in academic, legal, or professional contexts when you need to make sure of something or confirm details.

  • The police are trying to ascertain the cause of the accident.
  • We need to ascertain whether these results are accurate.

Examples of usage

  • The investigation found no evidence of foul play.
  • I find his argument unconvincing.
Context #3 | Noun

the act of discovering or locating something

As a noun, a find refers to the act of discovering or locating something. It can also be used to describe a valuable or important discovery.

Synonyms

discovery, locating, treasure.

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologist made an exciting find at the dig site.
  • The find of the missing painting was a breakthrough in the case.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Find' comes from the Old English word 'findan', which means to come upon or discover.
  • This word’s roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'finthan', reflecting the act of grasping or seizing.
  • In Middle English, 'finden' was commonly used, showing its historical usage in poetry and prose.

Psychology

  • Finding something can cause a release of dopamine, the feel-good chemical, making searches rewarding.
  • Research shows that the act of searching activates brain regions related to motivation and decision-making.
  • Children who engage in treasure hunts develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking through finding hidden items.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, the main character's journey often revolves around finding themselves or their purpose.
  • The phrase 'finding' can symbolize personal growth, as seen in coming-of-age stories where characters explore their identities.
  • Many poets use the concept of 'finding' to express the beauty in discovery, whether of nature or love.

Pop Culture

  • 'Find' is commonly associated with digital searches, like in memes about online stalking or looking for lost items.
  • Popular movies often center on characters searching for lost treasures or people, like 'Finding Nemo' and 'Finders Keepers'.
  • The concept of 'find' is prevalent in video games, where players search for hidden objects or clues to advance.

Science

  • The search for exoplanets involves complex algorithms to find new worlds beyond our solar system.
  • In archaeology, the process of finding artifacts helps to uncover human history and ancient cultures.
  • Forensic science utilizes finding techniques to detect evidence, linking clues to solve mysteries and crimes.

Translations

Translations of the word "find" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encontrar

🇮🇳 खोजना

🇩🇪 finden

🇮🇩 menemukan

🇺🇦 знайти

🇵🇱 znaleźć

🇯🇵 見つける (mitsukeru)

🇫🇷 trouver

🇪🇸 encontrar

🇹🇷 bulmak

🇰🇷 찾다 (chajda)

🇸🇦 يجد (yajid)

🇨🇿 najít

🇸🇰 nájsť

🇨🇳 找到 (zhǎodào)

🇸🇮 najti

🇮🇸 finna

🇰🇿 табу

🇬🇪 მოძებნა (modzebna)

🇦🇿 tapmaq

🇲🇽 encontrar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #192, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.