WordGarden.iodiscovery
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪskˈʌvəri/
US
- /ˌdɪsˈkəvri/
Meanings
Noun
the act or process of finding or learning something previously unknown
an important new finding, especially in research or exploration
the pretrial exchange of evidence and information in a lawsuit
Beyond the definition
Discovery isn't just about stumbling upon buried treasure (though it can be!). It's the act of finding something unexpected, learning something previously unknown, or realizing a truth that was hidden. Think of Marie Curie's discovery of radium—a groundbreaking moment in science! But discoveries happen on smaller scales, too. Maybe you discover a new favorite author or suddenly realize why your car has been making that strange noise. It's about the "aha!" moment when something clicks into place. While the word "discovery" is a noun (as in the discovery of a new planet), it can talk about either the process of finding out or the thing that gets found.
Discovery is the act or process of finding something new, whether it's a physical object, a scientific truth, or a personal realization. It implies uncovering something previously hidden or unknown—a secret revealed, a mystery solved.
Think about historical milestones like the Rosetta Stone, which unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, or Columbus's "discovery" of America (though the land was already well-inhabited!). These are grand-scale events that changed our understanding of the world. But discovery isn't limited to momentous occasions. You might discover a hidden talent within yourself, find a shortcut on your commute, or even stumble upon a delicious new recipe.
While "discovery" functions as a noun, it is inextricably linked to the verb "discover." For example, "The archeological dig led to an exciting discovery" uses the noun form, whereas "Researchers are working tirelessly to discover the cause of the disease" uses the verb form.
Sometimes, discovery implies a process of careful investigation and research—like scientific breakthroughs made through experimentation. Other times, it suggests a more accidental or serendipitous finding—stumbling upon something unexpected by chance. Regardless of how it happens, discovery always involves gaining new knowledge or insight. It's the spark that ignites innovation, fuels curiosity, and expands our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Research team
The team made an important discovery during their first week in the lab.
- 2
Hidden place
The renovation led to the discovery of a hidden doorway behind the wall.
- 3
Scientific research
Scientists are still making discoveries about how the brain works.
- 4
Customer insight
The company changed its plans after the discovery that customers wanted a simpler app.
- Patterndiscovery that + clause
finding out that something is true
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Local find
That little cafe felt like a discovery, even though it had been there for years.
- 6
Personal growth
Living abroad became a time of self-discovery for her.
- Phraseself-discovery
learning more about yourself
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- make a discovery
- scientific discovery
- unexpected discovery
- discovery of evidence
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- discoverynoun
Forms
- discoveriespluralnoun