dis. cov.er \ dis-'k*v-*r\ \-'k*v-(*-) rin\ \-(*-)r*-b*l\ \-*r-*r\ vb or dis. cov.er. ing [ME discoveren, fr. OF descovrir, fr. LL discooperire, fr. L dis- + cooperire to cover - more at COVER] 1a: to make known or visible archaic 1b: DISPLAY 2: to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : FIND : to make a discovery - dis. cov.er. able aj SYN syn ASCERTAIN, DETERMINE, UNEARTH, LEARN: DISCOVER presupposes exploration, investigation, or chance encounter and always implies the previous existence of what becomes known; ASCERTAIN implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty; DETERMINE emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely; UNEARTH implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden; LEARN may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told); it may imply study and practice, but usu. does not stress active search
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