What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discovery
Example
The discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine. [discovery: noun]
Example
She made a discovery that changed her life. [discovery: noun]
finding
Example
The findings of the study were surprising. [findings: noun]
Example
I had a lucky finding when I stumbled upon the lost key. [finding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Finding is more commonly used than discovery in everyday language. Finding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discovery is less common and typically used in formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discovery and finding?
Discovery is more formal and academic in tone, while finding is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.