Discouraged
/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause someone to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or determination; to dishearten.
/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒ/
To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
The bad weather discouraged us from going on a picnic.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super excited to build a Lego castle, but after the first few blocks fall apart, you feel sad and don't want to build anymore. That feeling is being discouraged! It means you've lost your excitement.
👶 For kids: When you feel sad because you don't want to do something anymore.
More Examples
His failure to get the job discouraged him.
The teacher discouraged students from talking during class.
The high price of the product discouraged many potential buyers.
How It's Used
"Therapists often try to discourage negative thoughts and behaviors."
"Teachers may try to discourage cheating in exams."
Feeling disheartened or less enthusiastic; lacking confidence.
/dɪˈskʌrɪdʒd/
Feeling or showing a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; disheartened.
She was discouraged by her repeated failures.
💡 Simply: Imagine you were excited to try a new video game, but it was too difficult and you kept losing. That's like feeling discouraged—you feel less excited because it's hard.
👶 For kids: Feeling a little bit sad and not wanting to do something anymore.
More Examples
The team was discouraged after losing the match.
He felt discouraged about his progress.
The discouraged student gave up on their studies.
How It's Used
"She felt discouraged after not receiving a response to her job applications."
"He was discouraged by the setbacks in his project."
From Middle English *discorage*, from Old French *descouragier* ("to deprive of courage"), from *des-* (prefix meaning "de-") + *corage* ("courage").
The word 'discourage' has been in use since the 16th century, initially referring to depriving someone of their courage.
Memory tip
Imagine a coach (courage) removing the 'dis' to take away an athlete's drive to win. Discouraged = no encouragement.