Finds

/faɪndz/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To discover something, often unexpectedly or through effort.

/faɪndz/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To discover something unexpectedly or by chance.

She finds a good book to read at the library.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek and suddenly, *find* the perfect hiding spot—or maybe you *find* the keys you thought you lost! It's about coming across something, whether it's an object, a person, or a solution to a puzzle.

👶 For kids: To find means to get or see something that you were looking for, or that you weren't looking for but you discovered it!

More Examples

2

He finds the information he needs online.

3

The detective finds clues at the crime scene.

4

I find it difficult to wake up early.

How It's Used

General

"The archaeologist finds ancient artifacts."

Financial

"The auditor finds discrepancies in the accounts."

2

To perceive or experience something emotionally or intellectually.

/faɪndz/

verbneutralmedium
General

To perceive or experience something.

I find it difficult to concentrate in noisy environments.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'find' can describe how something makes you feel or what you think about it. Like, 'I *find* math interesting,' or 'We *find* their behavior odd.' It's all about your perspective and how something strikes you.

👶 For kids: To find can also mean how you feel about something. Like, "I find this food yummy!"

More Examples

2

They find her new ideas innovative.

3

We find the solution to be elegant.

4

Do you find this music relaxing?

How It's Used

General

"I find the movie quite entertaining."

Social

"They find each other's company pleasant."

Tip:Imagine *finding* the perfect song that perfectly expresses how you feel.
3

To supply or provide something, usually for someone's needs or requirements.

/faɪndz/

verbneutralAdvanced
Business

To supply or provide something.

The government finds funding for research.

💡 Simply: It can mean providing something. Like, a charity might *find* shelter for the homeless, or a company might *find* good salaries for its workers. It’s about making something available to someone.

👶 For kids: To find could also mean giving something to someone. Like, "My mom finds me yummy snacks!"

More Examples

2

The organization finds homes for abandoned animals.

3

The project finds solutions to environmental problems.

4

They found him a place in their team.

How It's Used

General

"The company finds its employees good benefits."

Social

"The community finds homes for the homeless."

Tip:Think of a generous benefactor *finding* resources for a worthy cause.

Idioms & expressions

find oneself

To discover or become aware of one's own identity, capabilities, or values, often after a period of change or self-reflection.

"After traveling the world, she finally found herself and what she really wanted to do."

find one's feet

To become confident and able to cope with a new situation.

"She's still finding her feet in her new job."

find out

To discover or learn something, often information that was previously unknown.

"I need to find out what time the train leaves."

From Old English *findan*, related to German *finden* and Dutch *vinden*, from Proto-Germanic *finthaną*. Originally meant 'to come upon' or 'to discover'.

The word 'find' has existed in English for over a thousand years, reflecting its fundamental importance to human experience.

Memory tip

Think of finding a lost treasure. You are the one who now possesses it!

finds'fyndsfindz

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written