First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
discover
verb dis·cov·er \dis-ˈkə-vər\
: to see, find, or become aware of (something) for the first time
: to show the presence of (something hidden or difficult to see) : to make (something) known
: to learn or find out (something surprising or unexpected)
dis·cov·ereddis·cov·er·ing \-ˈkə-v(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of DISCOVER
transitive verb
2
intransitive verb
See discover defined for English-language learners
See discover defined for kids
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Origin of DISCOVER
Middle English, from Anglo-French descoverir, descovrir, from Late Latin discooperire, from Latin dis- + cooperire to cover — more at cover
Related to DISCOVER
Synonym Discussion of DISCOVER
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>.
Rhymes with DISCOVER
DISCOVERING Defined for Kids
discover
verb dis·cov·er \di-ˈskə-vər\
dis·cov·ereddis·cov·er·ing
Definition of DISCOVER for Kids
: to find out, see, or learn of especially for the first time : find <Scientists have discovered a new species.> <She discovered a hole in her shirt.>
— dis·cov·er·er noun
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