discover

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈskʌvə/

verb

[with object]
  • 1find unexpectedly or during a search: firemen discovered a body in the debris she discovered her lover in the arms of another woman
  • become aware of (a fact or situation): the courage to discover the truth and possibly be disappointed [with clause]: it was a relief to discover that he wasn’t in
  • be the first to find or observe (a place, substance, or scientific phenomenon): Fleming discovered penicillin early in the twentieth century
  • show interest in (an activity or subject) for the first time: a teenager who has recently discovered fashion
  • be the first to recognize the potential of (an actor or performer): I discovered the band back in the mid 70s
  • 2 archaic divulge (a secret): they contain some secrets which Time will discover
  • disclose the identity of (someone): she at last discovered herself to me
  • display (a quality or feeling): with what agility did these military men discover their skill in feats of war

Derivatives

discoverability

noun

discoverable

adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'make known'): from Old French descovrir, from late Latin discooperire, from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + cooperire 'cover completely' (see cover)