Uncover vs. Discover — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Uncover implies revealing something hidden or covered, often intentionally, while discover involves finding something unknown or unrecognized.
Difference Between Uncover and Discover
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Uncovering typically entails removing a covering or layer to expose something that was hidden, suggesting a deliberate action to reveal what is already there but concealed. Discovery, on the other hand, pertains to the act of finding something for the first time or recognizing its significance or existence, often involving exploration or research.
When you uncover something, it implies that the object or information was always present but obscured from view, like uncovering a painting under a cloth. Discovering, however, implies encountering something previously unknown or bringing new knowledge to light, like discovering a new species.
Uncovering is often used in contexts where something is deliberately concealed, such as uncovering the truth in investigative journalism or uncovering a hidden message in a piece of art. Discovery has a broader application, including scientific discoveries where new phenomena are observed, or geographical discoveries where new places are found.
The process of uncovering can be metaphorical, referring to revealing truths or facts that were hidden or unknown to a particular audience, like uncovering a scandal. Discovery can also be metaphorical but tends to emphasize the novelty or introduction of new knowledge or insights, like discovering a new method or idea.
While both uncovering and discovering can lead to new knowledge or insights, uncovering focuses more on the action of revealing what was already there, and discovering emphasizes the novelty and the process of coming upon something previously unknown.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To reveal or expose something that was hidden or covered.
To find something unknown or unrecognized, bringing it into awareness.
Implication
Something is already present but concealed.
Something is new or previously unknown to the discoverer.
Contexts
Investigative work, revealing secrets, removing physical coverings.
Scientific research, exploration, encountering new knowledge or places.
Focus
The act of removing layers or obstructions to expose something.
The process of finding or recognizing something for the first time.
Examples
Uncovering a hidden document, uncovering a plot.
Discovering a new planet, discovering a scientific principle.
Compare with Definitions
Uncover
To remove a cover or covering from something, revealing what lies beneath.
The archaeologist uncovered ancient artifacts buried in the sand.
Discover
To find something unexpectedly or in the course of a search.
The explorers discovered a new island in the Pacific.
Uncover
To expose or reveal something that was hidden or kept secret.
The investigation uncovered evidence of corruption within the organization.
Discover
To become aware of something previously unknown or unrecognized.
Scientists have discovered a link between diet and disease prevention.
Uncover
To bring to light or disclose, especially something surprising or significant.
The documentary uncovered the untold stories of the war's impact on civilians.
Discover
To be the first to find or observe a place, substance, or scientific phenomenon.
Marie Curie discovered radium, changing the course of modern science.
Uncover
To make known or visible something that was previously unnoticed or ignored.
The research uncovered a significant trend in consumer behavior.
Discover
To experience the revelation or realization of something.
He discovered his passion for music at a young age.
Uncover
To reveal the true nature or character of something or someone.
The debate uncovered the candidate's lack of understanding on key issues.
Discover
To recognize the potential or usefulness of something.
The company discovered a new market for its products overseas.
Uncover
To remove the cover from
Uncovered the saucepan.
Discover
To notice or learn, especially by making an effort
Got home and discovered that the furnace wasn't working.
Uncover
To manifest or disclose; reveal
Uncovered new evidence.
Discover
To be the first, or the first of one's group or kind, to find, learn of, or observe.
Uncover
To remove the hat from, as in respect or reverence.
Discover
To learn about for the first time in one's experience
Discovered a new restaurant on the west side.
Uncover
To remove a cover.
Discover
To learn something about
Discovered him to be an impostor.
Discovered the brake to be defective.
Uncover
To bare the head in respect or reverence.
Discover
To identify (a person) as a potentially prominent performer
A movie star who was discovered in a drugstore by a producer.
Uncover
To remove a cover from.
The model railway was uncovered.
Discover
(Archaic) To reveal or expose.
Uncover
To reveal the identity of.
The murderer has finally been uncovered.
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.
Uncover
To show openly; to disclose; to reveal.
Discover
To remove the cover from; to uncover (a head, building etc.).
Uncover
To remove one's hat or cap as a mark of respect.
Discover
To expose, uncover.
The gust of wind discovered a bone in the sand.
Uncover
To expose the genitalia.
Discover
To create by moving a piece out of another piece's line of attack.
This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn.
Uncover
To expose (lines of formation of troops) successively by the wheeling to right or left of the lines in front.
Discover
To question (a person) as part of discovery in a lawsuit.
Uncover
To take the cover from; to divest of covering; as, to uncover a box, bed, house, or the like; to uncover one's body.
Discover
To reveal (information); to divulge, make known.
I discovered my plans to the rest of the team.
Uncover
To show openly; to disclose; to reveal.
Discover
To reconnoitre, explore (an area).
Uncover
To divest of the hat or cap; to bare the head of; as, to uncover one's head; to uncover one's self.
Discover
(obsolete) To manifest without design; to show; to exhibit.
Uncover
To take off the hat or cap; to bare the head in token of respect.
We are forced to uncover after them.
Discover
To uncover.
Whether any man hath pulled down or discovered any church.
Uncover
To remove the covers from dishes, or the like.
Uncover, dogs, and lap.
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.
Uncover
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
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.
Uncover
Remove all or part of one's clothes to show one's body;
Uncover your belly
The man exposed himself in the subway
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
Common Curiosities
How does discovery contribute to science?
Discovery is fundamental to science, as it involves observing new phenomena, which can lead to the development of new theories or technologies.
What is involved in discovering something?
Discovering involves finding something previously unknown or unrecognized, often through exploration or research.
Can uncovering and discovering happen simultaneously?
Yes, in some cases, the act of uncovering something can lead to new discoveries, blending the two processes.
What does it mean to uncover something?
To uncover means to reveal or expose something that was hidden, concealed, or not immediately apparent.
Is uncovering always intentional?
While uncovering often involves deliberate action, it can also happen accidentally during other activities.
Are all discoveries positive or beneficial?
Not all discoveries are positive; some can reveal challenges, dangers, or ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration.
Can one person's uncovering be another's discovery?
Yes, what one person uncovers (reveals) can be a discovery (new knowledge) for someone else, depending on their prior awareness.
How do context and perspective affect uncovering and discovering?
Context and perspective greatly influence what is considered an uncovering or a discovery, shaping the perceived novelty or significance of the information.
Can something be discovered that was once known but forgotten?
Yes, rediscovery involves finding or recognizing the significance of something that was known in the past but forgotten or overlooked.
What role does uncovering play in investigative journalism?
In investigative journalism, uncovering is crucial for revealing hidden truths, corruption, or scandals to the public.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
