Invent vs. Discover — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
Inventing involves creating something new or significantly improving an existing idea, while discovering refers to finding something that already exists but was previously unknown.
Difference Between Invent and Discover
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Invention requires creativity and innovation, as it involves bringing a new product, idea, or method into existence. This process often entails design, development, and the synthesis of new concepts that did not exist before in any form. On the other hand, discovery is about uncovering facts, objects, or phenomena that already exist but were not previously known or understood by humans. It relies heavily on observation, exploration, and research.
Inventors use their knowledge and imagination to create solutions that address specific problems or needs. This could be anything from a new gadget, a technological advancement, or a novel process that improves efficiency. Whereas, discoverers explore the natural world, physical laws, or historical artifacts that are part of the existing environment, aiming to expand the current understanding or confirm theories.
The outcomes of invention are typically tangible products like devices, machines, or even software programs. These inventions can be protected legally through patents which grant the inventor exclusive rights to their creation. In contrast, discoveries may result in new scientific knowledge or understanding, such as the discovery of gravity or a new species, which generally cannot be patented but contribute significantly to academic and practical knowledge.
The act of inventing can often start with a hypothesis or a prototype that undergoes rigorous testing and refinement. Inventors might work for years to develop their ideas into viable products. Discoverers, however, may stumble upon new findings unexpectedly or as a result of directed scientific research and expeditions, such as in astronomy or archaeology.
Inventions typically require a mix of technical skills, creative thinking, and resource management to bring a new idea to market. This contrasts with discovery, which often depends more on methodical investigation, experimental validation, and sometimes serendipity, where researchers find something they were not originally seeking.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Creation of a new product or concept.
Finding something existing but previously unknown.
Dependency
Depends on creativity, innovation.
Depends on observation, exploration.
Outcome
Tangible products, can be patented.
New knowledge, usually not patentable.
Process
Design, development, prototyping.
Research, exploration, validation.
Skills Required
Technical skills, creativity, resource management.
Scientific method, attention to detail, persistence.
Compare with Definitions
Invent
To produce or contrive by the use of ingenuity or imagination.
He invented a fictional backstory for his novel's protagonist.
Discover
To see, find, or become aware of something for the first time.
Marie Curie discovered radium, contributing greatly to science.
Invent
To create a solution for an unsolved problem.
They invented a device that significantly simplifies water purification.
Discover
To make a new and valuable finding in the scientific field.
Researchers discovered a new treatment for the disease.
Invent
To be the originator of a new method or process.
She invented a new way to recycle plastics efficiently.
Discover
To encounter or recognize the potential or significance of something.
She discovered her passion for music at a very young age.
Invent
To create or design something that has never been made before.
Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in the late 19th century.
Discover
To uncover something not previously known to exist.
Archaeologists discovered an ancient tomb under the city.
Invent
To develop a new product intended for use by the public.
The company invented a portable language translator.
Discover
To notice or learn, especially by making an effort
Got home and discovered that the furnace wasn't working.
Invent
To produce or contrive (something previously unknown) by the use of ingenuity or imagination.
Discover
To be the first, or the first of one's group or kind, to find, learn of, or observe.
Invent
To make up; fabricate
Invent a likely excuse.
Discover
To learn about for the first time in one's experience
Discovered a new restaurant on the west side.
Invent
To design a new process or mechanism.
After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.
Discover
To learn something about
Discovered him to be an impostor.
Discovered the brake to be defective.
Invent
To create something fictional for a particular purpose.
I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.
We need a name to put in this form, so let's just invent one.
Discover
To identify (a person) as a potentially prominent performer
A movie star who was discovered in a drugstore by a producer.
Invent
(obsolete) To come upon; to find; to discover.
Discover
(Archaic) To reveal or expose.
Invent
To come or light upon; to meet; to find.
And vowed never to return again,Till him alive or dead she did invent.
Discover
To find or learn something for the first time.
Turning the corner, I discovered a lovely little shop. I discovered that they sold widgets.
Invent
To discover, as by study or inquiry; to find out; to devise; to contrive or produce for the first time; - applied commonly to the discovery of some serviceable mode, instrument, or machine.
Thus first Necessity invented stools.
Discover
To remove the cover from; to uncover (a head, building etc.).
Invent
To frame by the imagination; to fabricate mentally; to forge; - in a good or a bad sense; as, to invent the machinery of a poem; to invent a falsehood.
Whate'er his cruel malice could invent.
He had invented some circumstances, and put the worst possible construction on others.
Discover
To expose, uncover.
The gust of wind discovered a bone in the sand.
Invent
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or priciple) after a mental effort;
Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
Discover
To create by moving a piece out of another piece's line of attack.
This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn.
Invent
Make up something artificial or untrue
Discover
To question (a person) as part of discovery in a lawsuit.
Discover
To reveal (information); to divulge, make known.
I discovered my plans to the rest of the team.
Discover
To reconnoitre, explore (an area).
Discover
(obsolete) To manifest without design; to show; to exhibit.
Discover
To uncover.
Whether any man hath pulled down or discovered any church.
Discover
To disclose; to lay open to view; to make visible; to reveal; to make known; to show (what has been secret, unseen, or unknown).
Go, draw aside the curtains, and discoverThe several caskets to this noble prince.
Prosperity doth best discover vice; but adversity doth best discover virtue.
We will discover ourselves unto them.
Discover not a secret to another.
Discover
To obtain for the first time sight or knowledge of, as of a thing existing already, but not perceived or known; to find; to ascertain; to espy; to detect.
Some to discover islands far away.
Discover
To manifest without design; to show.
The youth discovered a taste for sculpture.
Discover
To explore; to examine.
Discover
To discover or show one's self.
This done, they discover.
Nor was this the first time that they discovered to be followers of this world.
Discover
Discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of;
She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water
We found traces of lead in the paint
Discover
Make a discovery, make a new finding;
Roentgen discovered X-rays
Physicists believe they found a new elementary particle
Discover
Get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally;
I learned that she has two grown-up children
I see that you have been promoted
Discover
Make a discovery;
She found that he had lied to her
The story is false, so far as I can discover
Discover
Find unexpectedly;
The archeologists chanced upon an old tomb
She struck a goldmine
The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake
Discover
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Discover
See for the first time; make a discovery;
Who discovered the North Pole?
Discover
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Discover
To realize or reveal facts that add to collective knowledge.
His studies discovered important links between diet and health.
Common Curiosities
Is discovery only related to science?
While often associated with science, discovery can occur in any field, including history, geography, and even arts.
What is the key difference between inventing and discovering?
Inventing is about creating new items or ideas, while discovering involves finding existing things or truths.
Can a discovery lead to an invention?
Yes, often discoveries provide knowledge that leads to new inventions.
How are inventors and discoverers recognized for their work?
Inventors can patent their creations, while discoverers may publish their findings and be credited in academic or scientific communities.
Are all inventions based on previous discoveries?
Many inventions build on earlier discoveries or existing knowledge, though not all require a discovery base.
Can discoveries be accidental?
Yes, many significant discoveries have been made accidentally, such as penicillin.
How are discoveries verified?
Through peer review and replication of results in the scientific community.
Do inventors always create something physical?
Not always; inventors can also develop methods or software.
What roles do creativity and methodical research play in invention and discovery?
Creativity is more crucial in invention for creating new products, while methodical research is essential in discovery for uncovering existing phenomena.
Can someone be both an inventor and a discoverer?
Yes, many individuals contribute to both fields, especially in interdisciplinary areas like biotechnology.
How do inventions impact society?
Inventions can lead to new industries, improve lifestyles, and solve complex problems.
What motivates individuals to invent or discover?
Motivations can include curiosity, desire to solve problems, personal passion, and the drive to contribute to societal advancement.
Which is more valuable, invention or discovery?
Both are equally valuable, contributing uniquely to societal progress and knowledge.
What can discoveries change about our understanding of the world?
Discoveries can redefine scientific theories, expand our knowledge, and influence how we perceive natural and historical truths.
Are all inventions successful in the market?
Not all inventions succeed commercially; success often depends on market needs, timing, and execution.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
