find definition

1. To meet with, or light upon, accidentally; to gain the first sight or knowledge of, as of something new, or unknown; hence, to fall in with, as a person. "Searching the window for a flint, I found This paper, thus sealed up." (Shak) "In woods and forests thou art found." (Cowley)

2. To learn by experience or trial; to perceive; to experience; to discover by the intellect or the feelings; to detect; to feel. "I find you passing gentle." "The torrid zone is now found habitable." (Cowley)

3. To come upon by seeking; as, to find something lost. To discover by sounding; as, to find bottom.

To discover by study or experiment direct to an object or end; as, water is found to be a compound substance.

To gain, as the object of desire or effort; as, to find leisure; to find means.

To attain to; to arrive at; to acquire. "Seek, and ye shall find." (Matt. Vii. 7) "Every mountain now hath found a tongue." (Byron)

4. To provide for; to supply; to furnish; as, to find food for workemen; he finds his nephew in money. "Wages �14 and all found." (London Times) "Nothing a day and find yourself." (Dickens)

5. To arrive at, as a conclusion; to determine as true; to establish; as, to find a verdict; to find a true bill (of indictment) against an accused person. "To find his title with some shows of truth." (Shak) To find out, to detect (a thief); to discover (a secret) to solve or unriddle (a parable or enigma); to understand. "Canst thou by searching find out God?" "We do hope to find out all your tricks." To find fault with, to blame; to censure. To find one's self, to be; to fare; often used in speaking of health; as, how do you find yourself this morning?

Origin: AS. Findan; akin to D. Vinden, OS. & OHG. Findan, G. Finden, Dan. Finde, icel. & Sw. Finna, Goth. Finan; and perh. To L. Petere to seek, Gr. To fall, Skr. Pat to fall, fly, E. Petition.