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rediscover

UK[ˌriːdɪˈskʌvə(r)]US[ˌriːdɪˈskʌvər]
v

To discover something again, or to find something that had been lost or forgotten.

v

To become aware of or interested in something again, as if for the first time.

Morpheme Breakdown

re
discover
re

again

discover

find

Etymology

The word "rediscover" is a relatively modern English formation, built upon the well-established verb "discover". The prefix "re-", of Latin origin and meaning "again", is systematically attached to verbs to indicate repetition. "Discover" itself has a rich history, entering English from Old French 'descovrir', which literally meant "to uncover". This French term derived from the Late Latin 'discooperire', a compound of 'dis-' (expressing removal) and 'cooperire' (to cover). Therefore, the logical journey of "rediscover" is from the literal idea of "uncovering again" to the modern abstract meanings of finding something lost or becoming newly aware of a forgotten thing.

Analysis

Structure: re (again) + discover (find) re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". discover: From Latin 'dis-' (expressing reversal) and 'cooperire' (to cover), via Old French 'descovrir', meaning "to uncover, reveal, or find".

Examples

Archaeologists hope to rediscover the lost city using new satellite imagery.

Reading her old diary, she seemed to rediscover her youthful ambitions.

Many people rediscovered the joy of baking during the lockdown.

rediscover – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology