Words / B1

dis-KUR-ij/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/

To discourage is to make someone less willing: discourage someone from -ing. Encourage is the opposite (already in the dictionary). Put off is everyday. Do not write “discourage to do”. High rents discourage staff from taking city posts.

Meaning

To make someone less confident or less willing to do something.

Examples

• “High rents discourage nurses from taking posts in the city.”
• “Teachers should not discourage questions in the science practical.”

Good to know

discourage someone from -ing. Opposite: encourage. Everyday: put off. Not “discourage to do”. Policy: fees may discourage applicants.

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