ascertain
Meaning: to perceive, learn
Usage: With a bit of research, the student ascertained that some plants can live for weeks without water.
discern
Meaning: to perceive, detect
Usage: Though he hid his emotions, she discerned from his body language that he was angry.
fathom
Meaning: to understand, comprehend
Usage: I cannot fathom why you like that crabby and mean-spirited neighbor of ours.
excavate
Meaning: to dig out of the ground and remove
Usage: The pharaoh’s treasures were excavated by archeologists in Egypt.