Invent, Discover and Establish

Let's take a look at three verbs which English learners often find confusing. They are useful for talking about people and organisations in history.

Invent

(Verb) To design and/or create something which has never been made before.
"Karl Benz invented the car in 1885."
Noun: Invention

Discover

(Verb) To find information, a place or an object, especially for the first time.
"Who discovered America?"
Noun: Discovery

Establish

(Verb) To start a company or organization that will continue for a long time.
"The company was established in 1822."
Noun: Establishment

Note: the verb found has the same meaning: "The company was founded in 1822."

Now take this simple quiz to see how well you have understood these three words:

Reading and Vocabulary Practice

• 1 - Who ___ the telephone?
  
  invented
  established
  discovered
  
  
• 2 - In 1848 gold was ___ in California.
  
  invented
  established
  discovered
  
  
• 3 - Microsoft was ___ in 1975.
  
  established
  discovered
  invented
  
  
• 4 - The ____ of America is often attributed to Columbus.
  
  discover
  discovered
  discovery
  
  
• 5 - The computer is my favourite ___.
  
  invention
  inventing
  invent
  
  
• 6 - The ___ of Google occurred in 1998 by two university students.
  
  establish
  established
  establishment