Explore vs. Discover: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Explore involves actively searching or traveling to uncover something new, while discover means finding something unexpectedly or for the first time.
Key Differences
Explore implies a deliberate effort to examine or travel through an area for learning or finding something. Discover, on the other hand, connotes the realization or uncovering of something that was previously unknown or hidden.
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Dec 06, 2023
Explore often involves a process, a journey of investigation or experimentation. Discover signifies the moment of revelation, the instant when something unknown becomes known.
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Dec 06, 2023
While explore suggests a journey with potential for learning and finding, it doesn't guarantee a significant finding. Discover implies a successful outcome where something of value or importance is revealed.
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Dec 06, 2023
Explore can be a proactive and ongoing activity, suggesting a thorough or detailed examination. Discover, in contrast, is often more instantaneous, marking a pivotal moment of insight or understanding.
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Dec 06, 2023
In essence, to explore is to embark on a quest with curiosity and openness, without a fixed expectation. To discover is to arrive at a specific point of realization, often bringing clarity or confirmation.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Expectation
Open-ended, without assured findings
Culminates in definitive findings
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Usage Context
Often used in research, travel
Common in science, discovery of facts
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Explore and Discover Definitions
Explore
Examining or discussing a subject in detail.
The documentary explores the impacts of climate change.
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Discover
Finding something unexpectedly.
She discovered an old family heirloom in the attic.
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Nov 24, 2023
Explore
To try out new ideas or experiences.
He explored various cuisines on his culinary journey.
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Nov 24, 2023
Discover
Recognizing the existence of something.
Scientists discovered a new species in the rainforest.
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Nov 24, 2023
Explore
To consider various aspects or possibilities.
She explored different career paths before choosing medicine.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Discover
Revealing facts or information.
The investigation discovered the truth behind the mystery.
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Nov 24, 2023
Discover
Uncovering something hidden or unknown.
The explorer discovered ancient artifacts in the cave.
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Nov 24, 2023
Explore
To search into or travel in for the purpose of discovery
Exploring outer space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
To notice or learn, especially by making an effort
Got home and discovered that the furnace wasn't working.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
(Medicine) To examine (a body cavity or interior part) for diagnostic purposes, especially by surgery.
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Oct 19, 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 19, 2023
Explore
To make a careful examination or search
Scientists who have been known to explore in this region of the earth.
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Oct 19, 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 19, 2023
Discover
To learn something about
Discovered him to be an impostor.
Discovered the brake to be defective.
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Explore
(transitive) To examine or investigate something systematically.
The committee has been exploring alternative solutions to the problem at hand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
To identify (a person) as a potentially prominent performer
A movie star who was discovered in a drugstore by a producer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
(transitive) To travel somewhere in search of discovery.
It was around that time that the expedition began exploring the Arctic Circle.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
(transitive) To (seek) experience first hand.
It is normal for a boy of this age to be exploring his sexuality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
(intransitive) To be engaged exploring in any of the above senses.
He was too busy exploring to notice his son needed his guidance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
To expose, uncover.
The gust of wind discovered a bone in the sand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
(intransitive) To wander without any particular aim or purpose.
The boys explored all around till cold and hunger drove them back to the campfire one by one.
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Oct 19, 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 19, 2023
Explore
(colloquial) An exploration; a tour of a place to see what it is like.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
To reveal (information); to divulge, make known.
I discovered my plans to the rest of the team.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
To seek for or after; to strive to attain by search; to look wisely and carefully for.
Explores the lost, the wandering sheep directs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
To search through or into; to penetrate or range over for discovery; to examine thoroughly; as, to explore new countries or seas; to explore the depths of science.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
To uncover.
Whether any man hath pulled down or discovered any church.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
To manifest without design; to show.
The youth discovered a taste for sculpture.
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Oct 19, 2023
Explore
Investigating unknown areas or subjects.
She decided to explore the dense forest for rare plant species.
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Nov 24, 2023
Explore
Traveling through an area to learn about it.
They explored the ancient ruins to understand its history.
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Nov 24, 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 19, 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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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 19, 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 19, 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 19, 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 19, 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
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Oct 19, 2023
Discover
See for the first time; make a discovery;
Who discovered the North Pole?
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Discover
Becoming aware of something.
He discovered his talent for painting quite by accident.
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Nov 24, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can discover be used to describe a personal realization?
Yes, discover can describe a personal realization, as in discovering one's own beliefs or abilities.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can we use discover when talking about places?
Yes, we can use discover for places, especially when they are found for the first time or by a new perspective.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is exploring limited to new areas?
No, exploring can involve revisiting known areas with a new perspective or purpose.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is exploring always physical?
No, exploring can be intellectual or virtual, like exploring an idea or a digital space.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does explore imply a lack of knowledge?
Explore implies a quest for knowledge, not necessarily a lack of it, but an eagerness to learn more.
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Dec 06, 2023
What does it mean to explore in science?
In science, to explore means to investigate or study a subject in depth to gain new insights.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can discover be a gradual process?
Discover is usually more instantaneous, but it can be the result of a gradual process.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is exploration always a positive experience?
Exploration can be challenging or difficult, but it is generally seen as a positive, enriching activity.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can discover be used in a scientific context?
Absolutely, discover is often used in science to denote the finding of new knowledge or phenomena.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does exploring always involve action?
Yes, exploring involves some form of action, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can technology discover?
Technology aids in discovery, but it's typically the user or creator who makes the discovery through it.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can discoveries be negative?
Discoveries can sometimes lead to negative consequences or reveal unpleasant truths.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can discover happen accidentally?
Yes, many discoveries happen accidentally or serendipitously.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does explore always lead to discovery?
Not always; exploration can lead to discovery, but it's not a guaranteed outcome.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is exploring unique to humans?
No, many animals exhibit exploratory behavior, though humans explore in more complex ways.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is discovery always intentional?
Discovery can be both intentional and unintentional.
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Can animals discover?
Yes, animals can discover things in their environment, like sources of food or shelter.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is explore a physical or mental activity?
Explore can be both physical, like exploring a terrain, and mental, like exploring an idea.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can we discover something about ourselves?
Yes, self-discovery is a common and important aspect of personal growth.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can exploring be a lifelong process?
Yes, exploring can be a lifelong process of learning and discovery.
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Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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