A finding or realization that makes something previously unknown available to understanding.
Reach for it when naming a new result, fact, place, or possibility and the act of finding it
The discovery of a heat-resistant seed offered farmers a safer second crop.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
playful
find
Fits when an object or place is an exciting informal prize
Careful A find sounds casual and often concerns value rather than knowledge.
everyday
Fits when the new understanding is intellectual or personal
Careful Insight need not identify a new object, fact, or phenomenon.
warm
Fits when the advance removes a major obstacle
Careful Breakthrough exaggerates a useful but incremental discovery.
warm
Fits when the change occurs within someone's understanding
Careful Realization does not cover a newly located species or artifact.
professional
finding
Fits when a specific research result is being reported
Careful A finding may confirm what was already suspected rather than disclose something new.
professional
Fits when something is created rather than found
Careful Calling a discovery an invention wrongly claims human authorship.
formal
uncovering
Fits when bringing concealed material or facts into view is central
Careful Uncovering stresses the process and can suggest scandal.
literary
revelation
Fits when a surprising truth changes understanding
Careful Revelation carries drama or religious overtones that evidence may not warrant.
major discovery
A major discovery in the archive altered the building's date.
discovery process
Careful replication belongs to the discovery process, not just the announcement.
chance discovery
A chance discovery beneath the floorboards revealed a painted border.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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