Discountenance

Verb

Definition: To refuse to approve of or accept something; to disapprove or discourage.

Synonyms: Disapprove, Discourage, Frown upon

Antonyms: Approve, Encourage, Support

Examples:
  • The teacher discountenanced cheating and punished those who were caught.
  • The company's unethical practices were discountenanced by the public.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of the prefix "dis-", which indicates negation or refusal, and "countenance" meaning to approve or show support. So, discountenance means to refuse to approve of something.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "discountenance" comes from Middle English "discountenaunce," from Old French "desconter" (to dishearten, to discourage) and "enance" (behavior, appearance).

Historical Usage:

The usage of discountenance can be traced back to the 14th century. Over time, it has consistently maintained its meaning of disapproval or discouragement.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"To look with discountenance"

Explanation:

This phrase means to disapprove or show disapproval through one's facial expression or demeanor.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "discountenance" with "discontinue."

Explanation:

While the two words sound similar, "discountenance" means to refuse to approve, while "discontinue" means to cease or stop doing something completely.

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