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

a : to make known or visible : expose

b archaic : display

a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : find <discover the solution>

b : find out <discovered he was out of gas>

intransitive verb

: to make a discovery

— dis·cov·er·able \-ˈkə-v(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

— dis·cov·er·er \-ər-ər\ noun

See discover defined for English-language learners

See discover defined for kids

Origin of DISCOVER

Middle English, from Anglo-French descoverir, descovrir, from Late Latin discooperire, from Latin dis- + cooperire to cover — more at cover

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISCOVER

Synonyms: ascertain, catch on (to), find out, get on (to), hear, learn, realize, see, wise (up), get wind of

Antonyms: miss, overlook, pass over

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

bedcover, break cover, dustcover, gill cover, ground cover, hardcover, re-cover, recover, slipcover, softcover, uncover, windhover

DISCOVER 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

Learn More About DISCOVER

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "discover"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "discover"

Nglish: Translation of "discover" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "discover" for Arabic speakers

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