discourage

[dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ]

discourage Definition

  • 1to make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about something
  • 2to try to prevent something from happening by making it seem difficult or bad

Using discourage: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "discourage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your dreams.

  • Example

    The high cost of living in the city discourages many people from moving there.

  • Example

    The teacher's harsh criticism discouraged the student from continuing with the course.

  • Example

    The rainy weather discouraged us from going on a picnic.

discourage Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for discourage

Idioms Using discourage

  • a discouraging word

    negative feedback or criticism that can dampen one's spirits or enthusiasm

    Example

    Despite the discouraging words from her critics, she continued to pursue her passion for music.

  • feeling disheartened or demotivated about something

    Example

    She was discouraged about her job prospects after being rejected from several interviews.

  • feeling disheartened or demotivated because of something

    Example

    Many people are discouraged by the slow progress in addressing climate change.

Phrases with discourage

  • to try to persuade someone not to do something

    Example

    I tried to discourage him from quitting his job, but he wouldn't listen.

  • discourage someone's hopes

    to make someone feel less hopeful or optimistic

    Example

    The poor economic conditions have discouraged many people's hopes for a better future.

  • to make investing seem unattractive or risky

    Example

    The unstable political situation has discouraged foreign investment in the country.

Origins of discourage

from Old French 'descouragier', meaning 'to dishearten'

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Summary: discourage in Brief

The verb 'discourage' [dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ] means to make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about something, or to try to prevent something from happening by making it seem difficult or bad. It can be used in phrases like 'discourage from,' as in 'I tried to discourage him from quitting his job.' 'Discourage' also appears in idioms like 'a discouraging word,' which refers to negative feedback or criticism that can dampen one's spirits or enthusiasm.

How do native speakers use this expression?