Cool MateDiscount vs Percent off
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discount
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Percent off
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Discount
| Discount | Percent off | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdɪskaʊnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdɪskaʊnt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //pəˈsɛnt ɒf//🇺🇸 //pərˈsɛnt ɔf// |
| Meaning | A reduction in the price of something. | A discount or reduction in price shown as a part of a hundred. |
| Example | I received a 20% discount on my new shoes. | The store is offering a 30% off sale this weekend. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | big, deep, generous, allow somebody, give (somebody), offer (somebody), card, coupon, voucher, at a discount, discount of, discount on, a rate of discount | 20% off, percent off coupon, percent off sale |
| Antonyms | surcharge, markup | percent added, markup, premium |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'price cut' – remember 'discount' is a specific term, Using the wrong preposition – it's 'discount on' or 'discount for', Mispronouncing – remember the first syllable is 'dis', not 'diss' | Confused with 'percentage off'. 'Percent off' refers to a discount., Incorrectly placing numbers, e.g., saying '20 off percent'., Ignoring the need for a specific item when stating the discount. |
| Usage notes | Use 'discount' when talking about sales, promotions, or lower prices. It's appropriate in stores, online shopping, or when discussing offers. Avoid in formal writing unless referencing specific financial topics. | Commonly used in sales or promotions. Appropriate in shopping contexts; less formal in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Discount vs Percent off
What's the difference between Discount and Percent off?
Discount: A reduction in the price of something. Percent off: A discount or reduction in price shown as a part of a hundred.
Which is more common: Discount and Percent off?
Discount is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Discount: I received a 20% discount on my new shoes. Percent off: The store is offering a 30% off sale this weekend.
Can I use Discount and Percent off interchangeably?
Not always. Discount and Percent off are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.