discover

4 definitions • 11 examples

to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time:

Who discovered America?

We searched all morning for the missing papers and finally discovered them in a drawer.

discover how [ + question word ] Scientists have discovered how to predict an earthquake.

[ + (that) ] She discovered (that) her husband was having an affair.

[ + to infinitive ] Following a routine check-up, Mrs Mason was discovered to have heart disease.

[ + obj + -ing verb ] The boss discovered him stealing money from the cash register.

to notice that a person has a special ability or quality and to help them to become successful:

Los Angeles is full of young actors working as waiters, hoping to be discovered by a movie agent.

to find something for the first time, or something that had not been known before:

[ + (that) clause ] Doctors later discovered (that) he had a cut on his left ankle.

[ + question word ] We reviewed enrollment figures to discover exactly when and why the student population declined.

Researchers hope to discover new treatments that may help people suffering from migraine headaches.

To discover is also to realize or learn:

[ + that clause ] When you go on a trip, you always discover that you forgot a few things.