ENGLISH
REFERENCE

discover

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //dɪˈskəvɝ// UK //dɪskˈʌvɐ// dis·cov·er Archaic General-service

v. to find something for the first time, or to learn a fact you did not know before.

v. to find or become aware of something previously unknown. Transitive — requires a direct object or a 'that' clause.


SIMPLE

Scientists hope to discover a cure for the disease.

CONTEXTUAL

The police were surprised to discover a hidden room behind the bookshelf during their search.

COMPLEX

While reviewing the historical archives, the researcher was thrilled to discover a series of letters that changed the common understanding of the treaty's origins.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English discoveren, from Old French descovrir, from Late Latin discoperīre < discooperiō, discooperīre, from Latin dis- + cooperiō. Displaced native Old English onfindan.

Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes a direct object or a noun clause beginning with 'that'.

Pitfall

I discovered about the secretI discovered the secretDiscover is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition 'about' before its object.

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