Find vs. Discover

'Find' and 'discover' are synonyms but they have a subtle difference that we are going to discuss in this lesson.

What is the difference between 'find' and 'discover'?

'Discover' means to become aware of the existence of something that you did not expect or that was hidden. This meaning is closely related to the meaning of 'find' which is to locate or come across something by chance or unexpectedly.

Similarity

In the meanings already mentioned, there is a close relationship between the two verbs. 'Find' and 'discover' both imply a sense of unexpectedness. For example:

She was thrilled to find a rare book at the used bookstore.

I found a 100$ bill on the ground while walking home from work.

We discovered a magnificent waterfall while hiking.

The ancient artefacts were discovered by locals in the outskirts of a remote village.

Difference

'Discover' can also mean to find or uncover something new or previously unknown. On the other hand, 'find' can describe the act of locating something that was lost, missing, or hidden. In these meanings, the two verbs are quite different. Pay attention to the examples:

Scientists discovered a new species of dinosaur.

Here, 'discover' implies that these scientists were the first to become aware of existence of this species.

I found my keys in the couch cushions.

Here, 'find' implies that the speaker had lost the keys and had been looking for them.

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