Pronunciation coach
Discourage
Sounds like
diskurij
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Simple meaning
What does Discourage mean?
Discourage means make someone less willing to try.
Dictionary definition
To make someone feel less hopeful, confident, or willing to try.
Example sentences
Discourage in a sentence
easy
Do not discourage a friend who is learning.
medium
One mistake should not discourage you from trying again.
hard
Helpful feedback can guide students without discouraging their effort.
Synonyms
Words like Discourage
disheartenUse when someone loses hope or confidence.
deterUse when something makes someone less likely to act.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Word family
Discourage word family
Base word
courage
verb
discourage
To make someone less willing to try.
adjective
discouraged
Feeling less hopeful or confident.
noun
discouragement
The feeling or act of being discouraged.
Related words
Explore related words
Quick practice
Try Discourage
Practice 1
What does discourage mean?
Discourage means to make someone feel less hopeful, confident, or willing to try.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses discourage correctly?
This sentence uses discourage to mean make someone less willing to keep trying.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of discourage?
Encourage means give support or confidence, which is the opposite of discourage.
Practice this skill
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Learning paths
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- Hive Builder for roots, prefixes, and suffixes.