discountenance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency (C2+)Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “discountenance” mean?
To disapprove of something or someone strongly, often resulting in an attempt to discourage or prevent it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To disapprove of something or someone strongly, often resulting in an attempt to discourage or prevent it.
To disconcert, embarrass, or abash someone by showing disapproval; to refuse to sanction or support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more archaic and literary; might be associated with ecclesiastical or parliamentary language in historical contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. It is more likely to be encountered in formal writing, legal or historical texts than in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “discountenance” in a Sentence
[subject] discountenances [object][subject] discountenances [verb-ing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discountenance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster felt obliged to discountenance the pupil's unruly conduct.
- The committee moved to discountenance the use of unofficial data.
American English
- The senator's remarks were discountenanced by party leadership.
- We must discountenance any form of discrimination in our policies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The board voted to discountenance any further investment in the controversial sector.'
Academic
Found in political science, history, or ethics texts. 'The church sought to discountenance heretical teachings.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not a technical term in any major field.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discountenance”
- Using it to mean 'discount' or 'reduce'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'disapprove of' is expected.
- Incorrect spelling: 'discountanance', 'discountinance'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. Learners are much more likely to encounter and use 'disapprove of,' 'discourage,' or 'condemn.'
The noun is also 'discountenance,' meaning the state of being disapproved or disconcerted (e.g., 'He retreated in discountenance'). However, this noun form is even rarer than the verb.
Yes, an archaic but still recognised meaning is 'to disconcert' or 'to abash,' as in 'She was discountenanced by their sudden applause.' The primary modern sense is 'to disapprove of.'
'Discountenance' is more formal and implies a stronger, often public or official, disapproval based on principle. 'Discourage' is more general and can be used for any attempt to dissuade someone, from mild advice to strong opposition.
To disapprove of something or someone strongly, often resulting in an attempt to discourage or prevent it.
Discountenance is usually formal, literary in register.
Discountenance: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkaʊn.tɪ.nəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkaʊn.tən.əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. The word itself is used in a figurative, non-literal way (the original 'countenance' meaning 'face' or 'favour').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS + COUNTENANCE. If a COUNTENANCE (facial expression, favour) is positive, to DIS-countenance is to show a negative expression/favour – to disapprove.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROVAL IS A FAVOURABLE FACE/FACADE; DISAPPROVAL IS WITHHOLDING OR DISTORTING THAT FACE.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The community elders discountenanced the new ritual,' the word 'discountenanced' most nearly means: