find
verb (transitive)
UKfaɪndUSfaɪnd
to discover or locate something through search or by chance
Example Sentences
I often find lost items when I clean under the couch.
They were able to find the missing dog after several hours of searching.
If you find a mistake in your essay, make sure to correct it immediately.
It took him a while to find the exit in the massive shopping mall.
She was thrilled to find an old photograph of her grandparents in the attic.
You must find a quiet place to study if you really want to concentrate.
We hope to find enough evidence to support our hypothesis in the lab.
After days of hiking through dense forests and overcoming treacherous terrain, the research team was ecstatic to finally find the hidden waterfall, its roaring currents and cascading mist creating a breathtaking scene they had only imagined.
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noun (countable)
UKfaɪndUSfaɪnd
a valuable or noteworthy discovery
Example Sentences
That rare book was quite a find at the local thrift store.
The abandoned painting turned out to be a real find for the art collector.
His latest find was an antique watch that still worked perfectly.
I showed my grandmother the unusual coins, proud of my latest find.
Each new artifact from the excavation site was a significant find for the archaeologists.
They kept the best find in a display case to protect it from damage.
A great find can sometimes spark a newfound passion or fascination.
The curator praised her donation, calling it the most remarkable find the museum had received in decades, noting its historical importance for future research.
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How to Use
To locate or discover something previously unknown or lost.“Find” is used when you want to express the act of locating, uncovering, or coming upon something by chance or intention. In writing, you can use “find” to introduce the solution to a puzzle (“They find the hidden door at last”), to describe discovering facts in research (“He found new evidence to support his theory”), or to reveal unexpected moments of insight (“She found she liked the new style after all”). In conversation, “find” appears frequently to talk about everyday situations such as looking for lost items (“Did you find your keys?”) or discovering new places (“We found a great café downtown”). Additionally, “find” can serve to describe personal feelings or opinions, as in “I find that music very soothing,” which conveys an observation about a personal discovery or viewpoint. Whether in academic writing, professional settings, or casual speech, “find” is incredibly versatile for expressing the act of seeking and coming upon something tangible or intangible.
Alternatives
Alternative words and phrases that capture similar meanings to “find” include “discover,” “locate,” “detect,” “uncover,” “unearth,” “come across,” and “encounter.” “Discover” emphasizes the sense of realizing something entirely new; for instance, you “discover” a hidden talent or explore a new area. “Locate” works well when discussing a fixed spot, such as locating the origin of a sound. “Detect” suits contexts where some investigation or careful observation is involved—like detecting a faint odor or a subtle hint. “Uncover” and “unearth” suggest revealing something hidden, often after some effort, such as uncovering secrets in historical archives or unearthing artifacts at a dig site. “Come across” and “encounter” imply finding something more by chance than by active searching, like coming across old photos in the attic. By choosing the best alternative depending on the context, you can adjust tone, clarity, and nuance, ensuring your message resonates effectively with your audience.
Writing
When using “find” in your writing, consider the context and purpose to convey the right emphasis. “Find” can be straightforward, suggesting direct action without unnecessary complexity. In research-based writing, “find” can highlight discoveries or new data: “We find that the results align with previous studies.” For narrative works, “find” can push the story forward by indicating the moment characters come across important clues, items, or information critical to the plot. Think about the specificity of your action: if you mean to stumble upon something unexpectedly, consider synonyms like “come across” or “discover.” If you are emphasizing thorough searching, perhaps “locate” is clearer. Also, watch for repetitive use—vary your verbs to maintain reader engagement. Balancing clarity with variety ensures your writing stays both precise and dynamic. Employ “find” consciously to guide readers through new ideas, essential details, or sudden realizations, keeping your narrative moving and your purpose clear.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “find” is an essential verb that effortlessly fits into numerous scenarios. You might use it to ask if a friend has located their misplaced phone—“Did you find it yet?”—or to let them know you discovered a new restaurant—“I found a great pizza place around the corner.” When talking about personal preferences, “I find that show really funny” is a casual way to express your opinion or reaction. You can also use it to encourage others to look for opportunities: “If you keep searching, you’ll find a better job.” Mixing in alternatives like “came across” or “discovered” can add variety to daily speech, but “find” remains a comfortable go-to option for expressing the idea of locating, realizing, or unveiling something. Whether you’re chatting about everyday tasks, sharing fun anecdotes, or offering advice, this simple verb helps convey a broad range of common experiences.
Etymology
The word “find” has roots in Old English “findan,” which is related to the Old High German “finden.” It has retained its core meaning—“to discover or come upon”—for centuries. Throughout time, “find” has served as a fundamental verb in many Germanic languages, consistently depicting the basic act of locating or identifying something. In Middle English and onward, writers and speakers embraced “find” to capture both tangible and intangible discoveries: from spotting a hidden object to realizing an abstract concept. Over generations, idiomatic uses also evolved, such as “find out,” which means to learn or uncover new information. Interestingly, archaeological records show the concept of “finding” has always been important to humans, as discoveries—be it tools, resources, or truths—shape civilizations. Thus, “find” continues to be one of the simplest yet most pivotal verbs, signifying our innate drive to search and discover.