What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
put off
Example
I keep putting off cleaning my room. [putting off: present participle]
Example
The bad weather put off the picnic until next week. [put off: past tense]
discourage
Example
Don't let failure discourage you from trying again. [discourage: verb]
Example
The lack of support discouraged her from pursuing her dreams. [discouraged: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Put off is more commonly used than discourage in everyday language. Put off is a common phrase used to describe procrastination or delaying tasks, while discourage is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between put off and discourage?
Both put off and discourage are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, discourage may be more formal in certain contexts, such as professional or academic settings where a more precise vocabulary is required.
