Langimage
English

discouragers

|dis-cour-a-gers|

B2

🇺🇸

/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒərz/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒəz/

(discourager)

take away courage / remove confidence

Base FormPluralPresentVerb
discouragerdiscouragersdiscouragediscourage
Etymology
Etymology Information

'discourager' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'descoragier', where the prefix 'des-' meant 'lack' or 'loss' and 'corage' meant 'courage'.

Historical Evolution

'discourager' changed from Old French 'descoragier' into Middle English forms such as 'discouragen' and eventually became the modern English word 'discourager'.

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'to deprive someone of courage', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make someone less confident or enthusiastic'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

plural of 'discourager': people or things that cause others to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or determination; those who or that which discourage.

Discouragers at the meeting raised doubts about the project's feasibility, weakening the team's resolve.

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Noun 2

factors or obstacles that deter or prevent action; deterrents.

High upfront costs are among the main discouragers for many potential buyers.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/08/31 23:25