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/dɪˈskʌvə/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo find or learn something for the first time.
verbTo remove the cover from; to uncover (a head, building etc.).
Sentence Examples
We have yet to discover an effective remedy for cancer.
The more you study, the more you discover your ignorance.
We have to discover his plans and act accordingly.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist hopes to ____ a new species in the deep ocean trench.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We have yet to ____ an effective remedy for cancer.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English discoveren, from Old French descovrir, from Late Latin discoperīre < discooperiō, discooperīre, from Latin dis- + cooperiō. Displaced native Old English onfindan.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"All this has led to an explosion of protest across China, including among a middle class that has discovered nimbyism."
— 2013 August 10, “Can China clean up fast enough?”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8848:
"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."
— 1953, Samuel Beckett, Watt, [Paris]: Olympia Press, →OCLC:
"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."
— 2019 July 2, Ward K. Branch, “Gordon v. Canada, 2017 FC 454”, in CanLII, retrieved 13 Apr 2021:
"Go, draw aside the curtains, and discover / The several caskets to this noble prince."
— c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene vii]:
"Prosperity doth best discover vice; but adversity doth best discover virtue."
— 1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Adversity”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist hopes to ____ a new species in the deep ocean trench.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We have yet to ____ an effective remedy for cancer.