A discovery is something new that has been found or learned, especially after searching or studying. It can be an object, a place, or a piece of knowledge.
From 'discover' plus the noun suffix '-y', following the same roots in Old French and Latin meaning 'uncovering'. It originally emphasized the act of revealing something hidden.
Behind every big discovery are usually many tiny, boring ones that nobody hears about. The spotlight moment is just the last puzzle piece clicking into a picture that’s been forming for years.
"Discovery" narratives have often centered male figures and colonial powers, framing lands, knowledge, or techniques as newly discovered despite existing work by women, Indigenous peoples, and local experts. This has contributed to erasing prior knowledge systems.
Specify whose discovery is being discussed and acknowledge prior knowledge or contributions that may have been ignored.
["finding","innovation","identification","breakthrough"]
When describing scientific or technical discoveries, include women and other historically marginalized contributors, and note when their recognition was delayed or contested.
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