discommode: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2formal, literary, slightly old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “discommode” mean?
to cause trouble, inconvenience, or minor difficulty for someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to cause trouble, inconvenience, or minor difficulty for someone.
To put someone to trouble; to disturb or interrupt someone's comfort, plans, or routine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and slightly less formal in British English than in American English, where it is rare and considered very formal or archaic.
Connotations
In British English, can carry a tone of polite or wry understatement; in American English, it sounds distinctly old-fashioned or affected.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, but higher in British English corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “discommode” in a Sentence
[Subject] discommodes [Object][Subject] is discommoded by [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discommode” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm terribly sorry to discommode you, but might I borrow a cup of sugar?
- The roadworks will discommode local residents for several weeks.
American English
- The senator did not wish to discommode his hosts by arriving late.
- The archaic term 'incommode' is even more discommoding to the modern reader.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in very formal correspondence: 'We hope this change will not discommode your team.'
Academic
Rare, found in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discommode”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discommode”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discommode”
- Using it to mean 'discomfort' (noun) or 'uncomfortable' (adj.). It is a verb only.
- Overusing in modern contexts where 'inconvenience' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare and considered formal or old-fashioned, especially in American English.
'Discommode' is more formal, literary, and often implies a lesser degree of trouble or a polite/ironic tone. 'Inconvenience' is the standard, neutral term.
Yes, though rare, it can be used reflexively, often in polite offers or questions: 'Please don't discommode yourself on my account.'
The direct noun 'discommodity' is archaic. The more common nominalization is 'discommoding' (gerund) or simply using the related noun 'inconvenience'.
to cause trouble, inconvenience, or minor difficulty for someone.
Discommode is usually formal, literary, slightly old-fashioned in register.
Discommode: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪskəˈməʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪskəˈmoʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(I) wouldn't want to discommode you (polite/ironic formula)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS-comfort + MODE. To take someone out of their comfortable MODE.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOSPITALITY/COMFORT AS A STATE (to be put out of that state).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'discommode' correctly and naturally?