B2verb 2K

Discourage

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/","/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒd/","/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒ/","/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒd/","/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Discourage

to try to prevent something or to prevent somebody from doing something, especially by making it difficult to do or by showing that you do not approve of it

In simple words: to make someone feel less confident or hopeful

Discourage in a sentence

• The teacher did not want to discourage the students from trying challenging problems.
• High taxes can discourage people from investing in new businesses.
• The heavy rain did not discourage the hikers from continuing their trip.
• Seeing the negative reviews might discourage customers from buying the product.
• The warning signs are meant to discourage trespassing on private property.

How to use Discourage

Use 'discourage' when talking about preventing someone from doing something, especially in a supportive context. Avoid using it in overly negative or harsh situations.

Grammar pattern

discourage + object

Memory hint

Think of it as 'dis-courage' – taking away courage from someone.

Related words

Collocations with Discourage

• actively
• positively
• strongly
• try to
• from
• (not) easily discouraged
• actively
• positively
• strongly
• try to
• from
• (not) easily discouraged

Synonyms for Discourage

• dishearten

Opposites of Discourage

• encourage
• support
• motivate

Common mistakes with Discourage

• Confused with 'discouraged' which describes a feeling.
• Using 'discourage' without an object, e.g., saying 'I discourage' without specifying what.
• Incorrectly using 'discourage' in a context where 'support' would be better.

Frequently asked questions about Discourage

What does Discourage mean?

to make someone feel less confident or hopeful

What is the definition of Discourage?

to try to prevent something or to prevent somebody from doing something, especially by making it difficult to do or by showing that you do not approve of it

How do you use Discourage in a sentence?

The teacher did not want to discourage the students from trying challenging problems.

Can you give another example of Discourage?

High taxes can discourage people from investing in new businesses.

What are synonyms for Discourage?

Common alternatives include dishearten.

What is the opposite of Discourage?

Opposite meanings include encourage, support, motivate.

What words go with Discourage?

It commonly pairs with actively, positively, strongly, try to, from, (not) easily discouraged, actively, positively, strongly, try to, from, (not) easily discouraged.

What are common mistakes when using Discourage?

Confused with 'discouraged' which describes a feeling. Using 'discourage' without an object, e.g., saying 'I discourage' without specifying what. Incorrectly using 'discourage' in a context where 'support' would be better.

How do you pronounce Discourage?

US: /["/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒ/","/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒd/","/dɪsˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/","/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒd/","/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Discourage?

Use 'discourage' when talking about preventing someone from doing something, especially in a supportive context. Avoid using it in overly negative or harsh situations.

What CEFR level is Discourage?

"Discourage" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.