Discarding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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discarding
[dɪsˈkɑːdɪŋ ]
Definitions
waste
Getting rid of something that is no longer useful or needed. Discarding can involve throwing away, donating, or recycling items.
Synonyms
disposing of, getting rid of, throwing away.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| discarding |
Primarily used in formal settings, especially in documentation or technical instructions, to indicate the action of no longer using or keeping something.
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| disposing of |
Used when referring to the removal or getting rid of something in a responsible or specific manner, often implying a proper, organized process.
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| getting rid of |
Informal and commonly used in everyday conversation to describe removing or eliminating something unwanted or unnecessary.
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| throwing away |
Common and informal, used in everyday language when talking about putting something into the trash or no longer keeping it. Can imply wastefulness if used in some contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He was discarding old clothes that no longer fit.
- She was discarding old magazines to make space for new ones.
card games
The process of getting rid of unwanted cards from your hand in a card game.
Synonyms
getting rid of cards, removing cards.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| discarding |
Used in card games or in situations where something is no longer needed or wanted.
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| getting rid of cards |
Specifically refers to the action in card games where a player removes cards from their hand.
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| removing cards |
General term for taking cards out of a deck or game setup; can also be used in a digital or administrative context.
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Examples of usage
- In the game of Poker, discarding cards is crucial to forming a strong hand.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Discarding items can bring a sense of relief; it's linked to decluttering and reduces stress for many people.
- The concept of 'emotional baggage' often encourages individuals to discard past memories and grievances for better mental health.
- Marie Kondo's popular tidying method promotes discarding items that do not spark joy, influencing many to rethink their possessions.
Environmental Impact
- Discarding household waste contributes to the pollution crisis; responsible disposal helps reduce landfill impact.
- Recycling and donating items instead of discarding them can significantly lower environmental footprints.
- The 'reduce, reuse, recycle' mantra emphasizes the importance of reconsidering what we choose to discard.
Cultural Practices
- In some cultures, discarding old items during spring cleaning symbolizes new beginnings and renewal.
- Rituals that involve discarding the past are common during New Year celebrations, offering a fresh start.
- Minimalism as a lifestyle promotes the practice of intentionally discarding unnecessary belongings.
Literature
- In literature, themes of discarding often explore characters shedding their pasts to embrace new identities.
- Famous authors, such as Virginia Woolf, examine the impact of discarding societal expectations on personal freedom.
- In many classic tales, discarding objects symbolizes broader themes of transformation or loss.
Origin of 'discarding'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'discard' comes from the Middle French term 'descarter', meaning to throw away or throw aside.
- It gained popularity in English during the late 15th century, originally in the context of card games.
- The prefix 'dis-' indicates a reversal or removal, while 'card' relates to the act of laying something down in a game.
The word 'discarding' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'away' and the verb 'card', referring to getting rid of cards in card games. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader concept of getting rid of anything no longer needed or useful.
See also: discard, discardability, discardable, discarder.