discover
//dɪˈskʌvə//
Forms
- present (v1)
- discover
- past (v2)
- discovered
- past participle (v3)
- discovered
- present participle
- discovering
- 3rd person singular
- discovers
Definitions
1.To find or learn something for the first time.
- Turning the corner, I discovered a lovely little shop. I discovered that they sold widgets.
- All this has led to an explosion of protest across China, including among a middle class that has discovered nimbyism.
2.To create by moving a piece out of another piece's line of attack.
- This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn.
3.To question (a person) as part of discovery in a lawsuit.
- Indeed, the plaintiffs suggest that they may not need to call Ms. Samji at all if they are allowed to discover the defendant on the new documents before any new trial takes place.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1070
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English discoveren, from Old French descovrir, from Late Latin discoperīre < discooperiō, discooperīre, from Latin dis- + cooperiō.
Displaced native Old English onfindan.