What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
invention
Example
Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb revolutionized the way we live. [invention: noun]
Example
She invented a new type of solar panel that is more efficient than previous models. [invented: verb]
discovery
Example
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming changed the course of medicine. [discovery: noun]
Example
She discovered a new species of butterfly while on a research expedition. [discovered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Invention is more commonly used than discovery in everyday language, as it refers to the creation of new products, processes, and technologies that have practical applications in our lives. Discovery, on the other hand, is more commonly used in scientific and academic contexts, where the focus is on uncovering new knowledge and understanding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between invention and discovery?
Invention and discovery are both formal words that are commonly used in academic and scientific contexts. However, invention may be associated with a more entrepreneurial or business-oriented tone, while discovery may be associated with a more scientific or exploratory tone.
