Uncover vs. Discover: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 19, 2023
o uncover is to reveal or expose something that was hidden or unknown, while to discover is to find or realize something for the first time.
Key Differences
Uncover and discover are terms frequently used to describe the act of finding or realizing something. While "uncover" implies exposing or revealing something previously concealed, "discover" connotes the act of encountering or recognizing something for the first time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In the realm of investigation, when one seeks to uncover evidence, they aim to bring to light information that might have been hidden or overlooked. However, to discover evidence might mean to stumble upon or find evidence that was previously unknown or unrecognized.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Think of an archaeologist at a dig site. If they uncover an artifact, they're essentially removing the earth or debris that concealed it. On the other hand, if they discover an artifact, they're finding or coming across an item or fact that was previously unknown to them or the world.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
In literature or journalism, a story might be uncovered if it was kept secret or hidden from the public, requiring the journalist to reveal it. However, a journalist might discover a story if they come across a situation or event they weren't aware of before, introducing a fresh narrative or angle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
At the heart of their differences, uncover often relates to the process of revealing something, removing layers or obstacles to expose it. In contrast, discover usually refers to the moment of realization, the instant when something previously unknown becomes known.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Reveal or expose something previously hidden.
Find or realize something for the first time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Usage
Can be physical or metaphorical.
Usually pertains to knowledge or realization.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
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Uncover and Discover Definitions
Uncover
To remove a cover or obstacle from.
She uncovered the pot to check the soup.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Discover
To find out or realize something previously unknown.
He discovered a new method for solving the problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Uncover
To expose or make visible.
The wind uncovered the hidden treasure in the sand.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Discover
To make known or visible.
The research discovered the benefits of the new drug.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Uncover
To divulge or make known.
He uncovered secrets from the company's past.
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Oct 09, 2023
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Discover
To notice or encounter for the first time.
She discovered a small café hidden in the alley.
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Oct 09, 2023
Uncover
To reveal or bring to light.
The detective uncovered the truth behind the mystery.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Discover
To be the first to recognize or understand.
Galileo discovered the moons of Jupiter.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Uncover
To lay bare or open to view.
The excavation team uncovered an ancient tomb.
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Oct 09, 2023
Discover
To come upon after searching or by chance.
The explorers discovered an uncharted island.
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Oct 09, 2023
Discover
To notice or learn, especially by making an effort
Got home and discovered that the furnace wasn't working.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To be the first, or the first of one's group or kind, to find, learn of, or observe.
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To learn about for the first time in one's experience
Discovered a new restaurant on the west side.
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To learn something about
Discovered him to be an impostor.
Discovered the brake to be defective.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To identify (a person) as a potentially prominent performer
A movie star who was discovered in a drugstore by a producer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To create by moving a piece out of another piece's line of attack.
This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn.
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Oct 08, 2023
Uncover
To expose (lines of formation of troops) successively by the wheeling to right or left of the lines in front.
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Oct 08, 2023
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.
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To reveal (information); to divulge, make known.
I discovered my plans to the rest of the team.
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Oct 08, 2023
Uncover
To divest of the hat or cap; to bare the head of; as, to uncover one's head; to uncover one's self.
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Oct 08, 2023
Uncover
To take off the hat or cap; to bare the head in token of respect.
We are forced to uncover after them.
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To uncover.
Whether any man hath pulled down or discovered any church.
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Oct 08, 2023
Uncover
To remove the covers from dishes, or the like.
Uncover, dogs, and lap.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Uncover
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
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Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Uncover
Remove all or part of one's clothes to show one's body;
Uncover your belly
The man exposed himself in the subway
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
To manifest without design; to show.
The youth discovered a taste for sculpture.
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Oct 08, 2023
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.
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Oct 08, 2023
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
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
Make a discovery, make a new finding;
Roentgen discovered X-rays
Physicists believe they found a new elementary particle
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Oct 08, 2023
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
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
Make a discovery;
She found that he had lied to her
The story is false, so far as I can discover
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Oct 08, 2023
Discover
Find unexpectedly;
The archeologists chanced upon an old tomb
She struck a goldmine
The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake
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Oct 08, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Discover
See for the first time; make a discovery;
Who discovered the North Pole?
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Oct 08, 2023
FAQs
Can you uncover a fact?
Yes, uncovering a fact means revealing or making known a previously hidden truth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
What's the main distinction between the two?
To uncover is to expose or reveal, while to discover is to find or come across.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is it correct to say "uncover a new species"?
Typically, one would say "discover a new species," but "uncover" could work if emphasizing the revelation aspect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Does discovery always require human intervention?
No, nature can discover paths or mechanisms without human involvement.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can discover imply a rediscovery of something lost?
Yes, one can discover something that was once known but then forgotten.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can a person be discovered?
Yes, for example, an artist can be discovered by the public or industry professionals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can uncover imply a negative connotation?
Sometimes, as in "uncovering a scandal."
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can you uncover a talent?
Yes, one can uncover (reveal) a previously unrecognized talent.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Is uncover always a deliberate action?
Not always, something can be uncovered accidentally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can a story or news be both uncovered and discovered?
Yes, a journalist might discover a story (find it) and then uncover details (reveal them).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is discovery always a positive experience?
Not necessarily, one can discover unpleasant truths.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Do these terms have synonymous meanings in any context?
In some contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but they usually have distinct nuances.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can an invention be a discovery?
Yes, if someone finds or realizes a new method or item, it can be termed a discovery.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Can a discovery be covered up?
Yes, information or truths that are discovered can later be concealed or hidden.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Does uncovering always precede discovery?
Not necessarily, one might discover something first and then uncover more about it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can you uncover a theory?
While theories are typically developed or formulated, details or evidence supporting a theory can be uncovered.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is a discovery always novel?
A discovery denotes something new to the discoverer, but it might be known to others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is every discovery groundbreaking?
No, while some discoveries are monumental, others might be minor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
How do these terms relate in science?
Scientists uncover data through research and might discover new phenomena or principles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can uncovering lead to new discoveries?
Absolutely, as uncovering information or facts can lead to fresh realizations.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
