discover

verb

1. 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. 2

   obsoleteTo remove the cover from; to uncover (a head, building etc.).

   He set down his bags beside him, on the beautiful red floor, and he took off his hat, for he had reached his destination, discovering his scant red hair, and laid it on the table beside him.

3. 3

   archaicTo expose, uncover.

   The gust of wind discovered a bone in the sand.

4. 4

   To create by moving a piece out of another piece's line of attack.

   This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn.

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   archaicTo reveal (information); to divulge, make known.

   I discovered my plans to the rest of the team.

   Go, draw aside the curtains, and discover / The several caskets to this noble prince.

   Prosperity doth best discover vice; but adversity doth best discover virtue.

   It was in vain to diſcover my Reſentments, which were always turned into Ridicule; and I was forced to reſt with Patience while my noble and moſt beloved Country was ſo injuriouſly treated.

7. 7

   obsoleteTo reconnoitre, explore (an area).

   they seyde the same, and were aggreed that Sir Clegis, Sir Claryon, and Sir Clement the noble, that they sholde dyscover the woodys, bothe the dalys and the downys.

8. 8

   obsoleteTo manifest without design; to show; to exhibit.

   The scandal of a lie is in a manner lost and annihilated when diffused among several thousands; as a drop of the blackest tincture wears away and vanishes when mixed and confused in a considerable body of water; the blot is still in it, but is not able to discover itself.

   The youth discovered a taste for sculpture.

   The English Cooks keep all their Spices in separate boxes, but the French Cooks make a spicey mixture that does not discover a predominancy of any one of the spices over the others.

Forms

past tense

discovered

past participle

discovered

present participle

discovering

third person singular

discovers