discipline
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour.
A branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education. Also, the ability to control one's own behaviour or the controlled state resulting from such training.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans three main concepts: 1) training and controlled behaviour, 2) a field of study, 3) punishment to correct behaviour. It functions as both a noun and a verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. The noun 'discipline' is slightly more common in American English corpora when referring to a field of study.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries positive connotations of order and self-control, but when referring to punishment, it can carry negative or authoritarian connotations.
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in academic contexts. Slight UK preference for the verb form 'to discipline' over the US in spoken registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
discipline [someone] for [something]discipline [oneself] to [do something]discipline [object] into [state]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A man of discipline.”
- “To apply some discipline (to a situation).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to adherence to processes, financial control, or market sector (e.g., 'the discipline of marketing').
Academic
Primarily used to denote a field of knowledge or research (e.g., 'the discipline of sociology').
Everyday
Commonly refers to parental correction of children or personal self-control (e.g., 'I need more discipline with my diet.').
Technical
In computing/engineering, can refer to a specific sub-field or methodology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headmaster had to discipline several pupils for vandalism.
- You must learn to discipline your spending habits.
American English
- The coach disciplined the players for missing practice.
- She disciplined herself to write 500 words every day.
adverb
British English
- She acted disciplinarily, following the protocol strictly.
- The team worked disciplinarily to meet the deadline.
American English
- He managed the project disciplinarily, with clear milestones.
- The troops moved disciplinarily through the terrain.
adjective
British English
- The school issued a disciplinary hearing.
- He faced disciplinary action.
American English
- She is on the disciplinary committee.
- A disciplinary report was filed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher has good discipline in her class.
- Children need discipline.
- He studies a scientific discipline called biology.
- Self-discipline is important for learning a language.
- The sergeant imposed strict discipline on the new recruits.
- Universities are divided into various academic disciplines.
- The research bridges two traditionally separate disciplines.
- Market discipline forced the company to reform its practices.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DISCiple who follows the rules of his PLINth (platform/base) – a disciple needs discipline.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCIPLINE IS A CONTAINER (keeping behaviour within bounds); DISCIPLINE IS A TOOL (for shaping character/behaviour).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'дисциплина' only as a school subject; it's broader. The verb 'to discipline' is not 'дисциплинировать' in the sense of punish.
- The academic meaning ('a discipline') corresponds to 'научная область' or 'дисциплина', but 'self-discipline' is 'самодисциплина'.
- Do not use 'дисциплинарный' for all contexts of the English adjective 'disciplinary'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'disciplines' as an uncountable noun when it should be countable (e.g., 'He studied many different disciplines').
- Confusing 'discipline' (noun/verb) with 'disciplinarian' (a person).
- Misspelling as 'disapline' or 'dissipline'.
Practice
Quiz
In an academic context, 'discipline' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As 'training/control', it's usually uncountable ('a lack of discipline'). As a 'field of study', it's countable ('various academic disciplines').
'Discipline' is broader, encompassing the entire system of training and correction. 'Punishment' is a specific negative consequence within that system.
Yes, especially in terms of 'self-discipline' or 'academic discipline', it is highly positive, implying order, dedication, and rigour.
Most often transitively, meaning to train someone to obey rules or to punish someone in order to correct behaviour (e.g., 'Parents discipline their children.').
Collections
Part of a collection
Personality Traits
B1 · 36 words · Describing character and personal qualities.
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.
Scientific Terminology
C1 · 44 words · Precise vocabulary used in scientific disciplines.