descubrir
Lemma Details
Translation: to discover; to uncover; to find out; to reveal; to expose; to detect
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'discooperire', formed by the prefix 'dis-' (un-, opposite of) and 'cooperire' (to cover). The English cognate 'discover' shares the same Latin root. Both words literally mean 'to uncover' or 'to remove what is covering something'. The Spanish 'cubrir' (to cover) and English 'cover' are also related, both from Latin 'cooperire'.
Commonality: 85%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los científicos descubrieron una nueva especie de planta.
The scientists discovered a new plant species.
Descubrí que mi hermano me había mentido.
I found out that my brother had lied to me.
El periodista descubrió un caso de corrupción.
The journalist uncovered a case of corruption.
Por favor, no descubras el secreto.
Please don't reveal the secret.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'des-cubrir' as 'un-cover' - the prefix 'des-' often negates the action, just like 'un-' in English.
- Connect it to English 'discover' which sounds very similar.
- Visualize removing a cover (cubrir) from something hidden to reveal (descubrir) what's underneath.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
The verb 'descubrir' has historical significance in Spanish culture, particularly in the context of the 'descubrimiento de América' (discovery of America) by Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón). While in English this is referred to as 'discovery', in modern Spanish discourse there's increasing recognition that this term can be problematic as it implies these lands weren't already known to their indigenous inhabitants.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'descubrir' means 'to uncover' or 'to discover', 'cubrir' means 'to cover'. They are essentially opposites, with 'des-' acting as a negating prefix.
Confused word:
El arqueólogo cubrió las ruinas para protegerlas.
The archaeologist covered the ruins to protect them.
Notes: The prefix 'des-' in Spanish often indicates reversal or negation of the action in the root verb.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'des-' often works like 'un-' in English, so descubrir (uncover) vs. cubrir (cover).
Explanation: Though they look and sound similar, 'descubrir' means 'to discover' while 'describir' means 'to describe'. The difference is just one letter but the meanings are quite distinct.
Confused word:
El testigo describió al sospechoso con detalle.
The witness described the suspect in detail.
Notes: Both verbs are commonly used in academic and everyday contexts.
Mnemonic: DescUbrir has a U for 'Uncover'; DescrIbir has an I for 'Information' (describing gives information).