Basic Details
Word: Discontinued
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To stop something, such as a product or service, from being made or offered.
Synonyms: Ceased, Stopped, Terminated, Abandoned
Antonyms: Continued, Maintained, Supported
Idioms and Phrases
- On the chopping block: Something that is likely to be discontinued. Example: "The old product is on the chopping block and may be replaced by a new one soon."
- Out with the old, in with the new: Changing from older things to newer things, often meaning the old things are discontinued. Example: "The company announced they were bringing in new flavours and that the old ones would be out with the old, in with the new."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The toy was discontinued after many complaints about its safety.
Example 2: She was sad to hear that her favourite cereal had been discontinued at the store.
Example 3: After years of production, the smartphone model was finally discontinued by the manufacturer.
Fun Fact
The word "discontinue" comes from the Latin prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" and "continuare" meaning "to continue." Together, they create the idea of not continuing something.
Famous Quote
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." - Seneca
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "discontinued" mean?
a) To start something new
b) To stop something from being made or offered
c) To share something
d) To redesign something
Answer: b) To stop something from being made or offered
2. Which of these is a synonym of "discontinued"?
a) Continued
b) Separated
c) Ceased
d) Improved
Answer: c) Ceased
3. Which is an antonym of "discontinued"?
a) Ceased
b) Terminated
c) Supported
d) Abandoned
Answer: c) Supported
4. Which sentence uses "discontinued" correctly?
a) They discontinued the service due to lack of demand.
b) The dog discontinued the ball in the park.
c) She discontinued her homework successfully.
d) He discontinued the dance at the party.
Answer: a) They discontinued the service due to lack of demand.
5. Which idiom suggests something may be discontinued?
a) On the chopping block
b) Out with the old, in with the new
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Both a and b
