What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disencourage
Example
The negative feedback disencouraged her from continuing with the project. [disencouraged: verb]
Example
The lack of support from her family disencouraged her from pursuing her dream. [disencouraged: past tense]
discourage
Example
I don't want to discourage you, but this project may be more difficult than you think. [discourage: verb]
Example
The teacher discouraged cheating by explaining the consequences. [discouraged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discourage is more commonly used than disencourage in everyday language. Discourage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disencourage is less common and often used in more formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disencourage and discourage?
Disencourage can have a more formal or technical connotation, while discourage is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
