Basic Details
Word: Discourage
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make someone feel less confident or hopeful about something.
Synonyms: Deter, dishearten, dissuade
Antonyms: Encourage, support, uplift
Idioms and Phrases
- Don't be discouraged: A phrase used to encourage someone not to lose hope. Example: "Even if you don't win this time, don't be discouraged; you can try again."
- A word of discouragement: A phrase used to express caution about something. Example: "He offered a word of discouragement about taking on such a big project alone."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She tried her best in the competition, but the harsh comments from the judges did not discourage her.
Example 2: Even though he lost the match, his friends were there to encourage him and not discourage his passion for the sport.
Example 3: It is important not to discourage children from asking questions; curiosity is a key part of learning.
Fun Fact
The prefix "dis-" in "discourage" comes from Latin, meaning "to reverse" or "not," so it literally means "to turn away from courage or confidence."
Famous Quote
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Nelson Mandela
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "discourage" mean?
a) To cheer someone on
b) To make someone feel less confident
c) To inspire someone
d) To confuse someone
Answer: b) To make someone feel less confident
2. Which of these is a synonym of "discourage"?
a) Inspire
b) Deter
c) Cheer
d) Help
Answer: b) Deter
3. What is the opposite of "discourage"?
a) Deter
b) Support
c) Dishearten
d) Dissuade
Answer: b) Support
4. Which sentence uses "discourage" correctly?
a) The teacher encouraged the students not to discourage each other.
b) The bright sun will discourage the plants from growing.
c) His laughter discouraged her from feeling sad.
d) She felt it was good to discourage everyone about their ideas.
Answer: a) The teacher encouraged the students not to discourage each other.
5. Which idiom means not to let someone lose hope?
a) A word of discouragement
b) Don't be discouraged
c) Put a sock in it
d) Be in the same boat
Answer: b) Don't be discouraged
