discountenance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
discountenance Word Meanings
- to disapprove of something
- to discourage or prevent
- to look down upon
discountenance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
discountenance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪsˈkaʊtənəns/
US
/dɪsˈkaʊtənəns/
discountenance Word Etymology
Root decomposition: dis- (negation) + countenance (support/face). Historical origin: Latin 'dis-' + 'continentia', through Old French into English. Memory image: Imagine a person turning away from someone in disappointment, illustrating the act of discountenance as rejecting support or approval.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Discountenance is a formal verb meaning to disapprove of something, to discourage or prevent an action, or to look down upon someone. It carries a sense of withholding approval or support, often used in older or literary texts. The root suggests negation of countenance (support or approval) through the prefix dis- plus countenance. Historically it traveled from Latin through Old French into English. In modern usage, you may encounter it in legal, political, or historical writing, where a speaker seeks to condemn a proposal or discourage a plan. For learners, note that the term is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation and has a formal tone, occasionally appearing in phrases like discountenance a proposal or discountenance toward a plan.
Usage Reminders
- It is a formal verb meaning to disapprove of or discourage.
- It often appears with a direct object like a proposal or policy.
- It is not the same as 'discount' (price reduction) or 'encourage'.
- It tends to appear in legal, political, or historical writing.
- Use it sparingly; it carries a literary or archaic tone.
Common Misconceptions
- Not the same as discount (price reduction).
- Not a synonym of discourage in casual speech.
- Often mistaken for a weak or passive form; it is assertive and formal.
- Mistakenly thought to mean 'to deny facial expression'—unrelated.
- Usually used with proposals or policies, not people.
Thinking Differences
Discountenance is a rare, literary verb in English. It tends to be used in formal or historical contexts, which can confuse learners who expect more common verbs like disapprove or discourage. The nuance includes withholding approval and a sense of looking down on the idea or proposer, not just opposing it. Learners often misinterpret it as a neutral action or confuse it with discount, making writing sound wooden if misused.
Learning Tips
- Remember the etymology: dis- (negation) + countenance (support).
- Reserve discountenance for formal contexts like legal or historical writing.
- Differentiate from discount (price reduction) and discourage (to persuade not to).
- Use with a concrete object: discountenance a proposal, not a person.
- Practice past tense: discountenanced; rare gerund: discountencing.
- Compare with similar verbs: disapprove, condemn, rebuke.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'discountenance'?
A.To support or encourage
B.To disapprove or show disfavor
C.To make something cheaper
D.To promote a behavior
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'discountenance' correctly.
A.I decided to discountenance the event by attending.
B.She chose to discountenance her friend's poor decisions.
C.His smile seemed to discountenance the seriousness of the situation.
D.They discountenance the team’s success with celebrations.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'discountenance'?
A.Encourage
B.Facilitate
C.Condemn
D.Support
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'discountenance'?
A.Approve
B.Ignore
C.Reject
D.Disagree
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life situation where someone might discountenance a decision?
A.A teacher supports a student's initiative to skip classes.
B.A parent expresses disapproval of a child's choice to attend a party.
C.A manager cheers for an employee who is frequently late.
D.A friend encourages someone to break the rules.
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