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discover

dis·cov·er

discover

 
 
pronunciation:
dih skuh vr
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Builder, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: discovers, discovering, discovered
definition 1: to find or see (something unknown) before anyone else.
Scientists have discovered cures for many diseases.Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered America for the Europeans.
synonyms:
detect, find, stumble on
similar words:
behold, come across, descry, discern, locate, notice, originate, pioneer, spot, uncover, unearth
definition 2: to learn or gain knowledge of through study or observation.
We discovered in our experiment that the drug did not produce the effect we expected.[verb + (that) + clause ] I discovered some interesting things about the island while on the tour.
synonyms:
descry, detect, determine, realize
similar words:
ascertain, discern, find, find out, learn, perceive, see
definition 3: to see or witness due to a chance encounter or deliberate search; find.
We discovered the little girl hiding under the table.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ] The customs officer discovered them trying to smuggle the birds into the country.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ] After searching the whole building, we finally discovered her calmly smoking a cigarette outside.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ]
synonyms:
find
similar words:
come across, encounter
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: discoverer (n.)
Word Builder: discover +
  • discovery:
    something that is discovered
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