The difference between Discover and Find

When used as verbs, discover means to find or learn something for the first time, whereas find means to encounter or discover by accident.


Find is also noun with the meaning: anything that is found (usually valuable), as objects on an archeological site or a person with talent.

check bellow for the other definitions of Discover and Find

  1. Discover as a verb:

    To find or learn something for the first time.

    Examples:

    "Turning the corner, I discovered a lovely little shop. I discovered that they sold widgets."

  2. Discover as a verb (transitive, obsolete):

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

  3. Discover as a verb (transitive, now, rare):

    To expose, uncover.

    Examples:

    "The gust of wind discovered a bone in the sand."

  4. Discover as a verb (transitive, chess):

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

    Examples:

    "This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn."

  5. Discover as a verb (transitive, archaic):

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

    Examples:

    "I discovered my plans to the rest of the team."

  6. Discover as a verb (transitive, obsolete):

    To reconnoitre, explore (an area).

  7. Discover as a verb (obsolete):

    To manifest without design; to show; to exhibit.

  1. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To encounter or discover by accident; to happen upon.

  2. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To encounter or discover something being searched for; to locate.

    Examples:

    "I found my car keys. They were under the couch."

  3. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To discover by study or experiment direct to an object or end.

    Examples:

    "Water is found to be a compound substance."

  4. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To gain, as the object of desire or effort.

    Examples:

    "to find leisure; to find means"

  5. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To attain to; to arrive at; to acquire.

    Examples:

    "Looks like he found a new vehicle for himself!"

  6. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To point out.

    Examples:

    "He kept finding faults with my work."

  7. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To decide that, to discover that, to form the opinion that.

    Examples:

    "I find your argument unsatisfactory."

  8. Find as a verb (transitive):

    To arrive at, as a conclusion; to determine as true; to establish.

    Examples:

    "to find a verdict; to find a true bill (of indictment) against an accused person"

  9. Find as a verb (transitive, archaic):

    To supply; to furnish.

    Examples:

    "to find food for workmen"

  10. Find as a verb (transitive, archaic):

    To provide for

    Examples:

    "He finds his nephew in money."

  11. Find as a verb (intransitive, legal):

    To determine or judge.

    Examples:

    "The jury finds for the defendant."

  12. Find as a verb (intransitive, hunting):

    To discover game.

  1. Find as a noun:

    Anything that is found (usually valuable), as objects on an archeological site or a person with talent.

  2. Find as a noun:

    The act of finding.