descubrimiento
“descubrimiento” means “discovery” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
discovery
Also: finding out
📝 In Action
El descubrimiento de América cambió la historia mundial.
B1The discovery of America changed world history.
El proceso de descubrimiento puede ser lento y frustrante.
B2The process of discovery can be slow and frustrating.
finding
Also: breakthrough
📝 In Action
El nuevo descubrimiento médico podría salvar millones de vidas.
B2The new medical breakthrough could save millions of lives.
Este descubrimiento arqueológico es el más importante del siglo.
C1This archaeological finding is the most important of the century.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: descubrimiento
Question 1 of 1
Which Spanish sentence correctly uses the word 'descubrimiento' to talk about the *result* of an action?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the verb 'descubrir,' which literally means 'to uncover.' It is formed by combining 'des-' (meaning 'un-' or 'undo') and 'cubrir' (meaning 'to cover'). So, a 'descubrimiento' is literally the action of taking the cover off something hidden.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'descubrimiento' and 'hallazgo'?
'Descubrimiento' usually refers to finding something unknown, whether it's an abstract concept (like a cure) or a physical place (like a continent). 'Hallazgo' is often used specifically for finding a physical object, especially one that was lost or hidden (like an artifact or a treasure).
Is 'descubrimiento' only used for big, important things?
No. While it is often used for major historical or scientific events, you can use it for personal realizations too. For example: 'Mi gran descubrimiento fue que me encanta cocinar' (My great discovery was that I love to cook).