find

[fahynd]

verb (used with object)

found, finding 

1. to come upon by chance; meet with.

   He found a nickel in the street.

2. to locate, attain, or obtain by search or effort.

   to find an apartment; to find happiness.

   Synonyms: acquire, earn, win, achieve

3. to locate or recover (something lost or misplaced).

   I can't find my blue socks.

4. to discover or perceive after consideration.

   to find something to be true.

5. to gain or regain the use of.

   His anger finally helped him find his tongue.

6. to ascertain by study or calculation.

   to find the sum of several numbers.

7. to feel or perceive.

   He finds it so.

8. to become aware of, or discover (oneself ), as being in a condition or location.

   After a long illness, he found himself well again. She woke to find herself at home.

9. to discover.

   Columbus found America in 1492.

10. Law.

    1. to determine after judicial inquiry.

       to find a person guilty.

    2. to pronounce as an official act (an indictment, verdict, or judgment).

11. to provide or furnish.

    Bring blankets and we'll find the rest of the equipment for the trip.

12. South Midland and Southern U.S.,  (of farm animals) to give birth to.

    The brown cow found a calf yesterday.

verb (used without object)

found, finding 

1. to determine an issue after judicial inquiry.

   The jury found for the plaintiff.

2. British Hunting.,  to come upon game.

noun

1. an act of finding or discovering.

2. something found; a discovery, especially a valuable or gratifying one.

   Our cook was a find.

3. Hunting.,  a discovery of game, especially foxes.

verb phrase

1. find out

   1. to discover or confirm the truth of (something).

   2. to detect or expose, as a crime or offense.

   3. to uncover the true nature, identity, or intentions of (someone).

      They found him out before he could launch the rebellion.

find

/ faɪnd /

verb

1. to meet with or discover by chance

2. to discover or obtain, esp by search or effort

   to find happiness

3. (may take a clause as object) to become aware of; realize

   he found that nobody knew

4. (may take a clause as object) to regard as being; consider

   I find this wine a little sour

5. to look for and point out (something to be criticized)

   to find fault

6. (also intr) law to determine an issue after judicial inquiry and pronounce a verdict (upon)

   the court found the accused guilty

7. to regain (something lost or not functioning)

   to find one's tongue

8. to reach (a target)

   the bullet found its mark

9. to provide, esp with difficulty

   we'll find room for you too

10. to be able to pay

    I can't find that amount of money

11. to realize and accept one's real character; discover one's true vocation

12. to become capable or confident, as in a new job

noun

1. a person, thing, etc, that is found, esp a valuable or fortunate discovery

Other Word Forms

• findable adjective
• refind verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of find¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English finden, Old English findan; cognate with German finden, Dutch vinden, Old Norse finna, Gothic finthan

Word History and Origins

Origin of find¹

Old English findan ; related to Old Norse finna , Gothic finthan , Old High German fintan to find

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. find fault. fault.

2. find oneself, to discover where one's real interests or talents lie, and follow them.

   After trying many occupations, he finally found himself and became an account executive.

More idioms and phrases containing find

• hard way (find out the)

Example Sentences

“Despite our best efforts to find a sustainable path forward — including exploring every possible solution to address these challenges — we have made the very difficult decision to wind down the business.”

From Los Angeles Times

Observing the scene in the hall, I found the applause quite chilling.

From BBC

"The individuals arrested during the operation were found to be working illegally, in violation of the terms of their visas and/or statuses," the statement added.

From BBC

After having breakfast, Mr Alekari found the bike and all of his belongings were gone.

From BBC

One said she feared she would find her child dead in their bed, while her daughter said withdrawal symptoms from the drug made her feel like she was "dying".

From BBC

Related Words

• detect 
• discover 
• encounter 
• identify 
• locate 
• meet 
• notice 
• recover 
• spot 
• strike 
• turn up 
• uncover 
• unearth