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
Synonyms 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'
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.
