Find: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.