発掘

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 発掘, read はっくつ, is archaeological excavation or the figurative discovery of overlooked value.
• Basic usage: 土器が発掘された reports an artifact excavated at a site; 作品を発掘した reports an editor rediscovering a work.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal excavation and figurative discovery
  • Pottery and ruins select excavation, while an editor and old magazines select discovery; the passive form makes the find the subject.