to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time

Who discovered America? 谁发现了美洲？

We searched all morning for the missing papers and finally discovered them in a drawer. 我们一上午都在找那些失踪的文件，最后终于在一个抽屉里找到了。

[ + question word ] Scientists have discovered how to predict an earthquake. 科学家们找到了预测地震的方法。

[ + (that) ] She discovered (that) her husband was having an affair. 她发现丈夫有外遇。

[ + to infinitive ] Following a routine check-up, Mrs Mason was discovered to have heart disease. 例行体检发现梅森夫人患有心脏病。

[ + obj + -ing verb ] The boss discovered him stealing money from the cash register. 老板发现他从钱箱里偷钱。

to notice that a person has a special ability or quality and to help them to become successful

Los Angeles is full of young actors working as waiters, hoping to be discovered by a movie agent. 有很多年轻的演员在洛杉矶做服务员，他们希望能够被电影星探发现提携。