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Discourage: meaning, definitions and examples

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discourage

 

[ dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To persuade someone not to do something or to not feel confident or happy about something.

Synonyms

deter, dishearten, dissuade

Examples of usage

  • He tried to discourage me from applying for the job.
  • She felt discouraged after receiving the rejection letter.
  • Don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your dreams.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To try to prevent something from happening or to make it less likely to happen.

Synonyms

deter, dissuade, prevent

Examples of usage

  • High prices are discouraging people from buying cars.
  • The new regulations may discourage investment in the industry.

Translations

Translations of the word "discourage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desencorajar

🇮🇳 हतोत्साहित करना

🇩🇪 entmutigen

🇮🇩 menggagalkan

🇺🇦 знеохочувати

🇵🇱 zniechęcać

🇯🇵 気落ちさせる

🇫🇷 décourager

🇪🇸 desalentar

🇹🇷 cesaretini kırmak

🇰🇷 낙담시키다

🇸🇦 يثبط

🇨🇿 odradit

🇸🇰 odradiť

🇨🇳 使气馁

🇸🇮 odvrniti

🇮🇸 draga úr

🇰🇿 көңілін түсіру

🇬🇪 დარბევა

🇦🇿 cəsarətini qırmaq

🇲🇽 desalentar

Etymology

The word 'discourage' originated from the Old French word 'discouragier', which meant 'to deprive of courage'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to include both the sense of dissuading someone and making something less likely to happen.

See also: courage, courageous, courageously, discouraged, discouragement, encourage.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,930 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.