Word: Discountenance
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To show disapproval or to discourage something. When you discountenance an action or behavior, you do not support it and may even express that you think it is wrong or should not happen.
Usage Instructions: - Use "discountenance" when you want to express that you disagree with or disapprove of something. - It is often used in more formal or serious contexts.
Examples: 1. The teacher discountenanced cheating during the exam, emphasizing the importance of honesty. 2. Many community leaders discountenance the idea of building a factory that could harm the environment.
Advanced Usage: In more complex sentences, you might find "discountenance" used with phrases that indicate the specific action or behavior being disapproved of. For example: - The government discountenanced any proposals that would lead to increased pollution.
Word Variants: - Discountenance (noun): The act of showing disapproval. Example: His discountenance of the plan was clear when he spoke against it at the meeting. - Discountenancing (gerund): The action of disapproving. Example: Her discountenancing of the new policy made the committee rethink their decision.
Different Meanings: The primary meaning of "discountenance" relates to disapproval, but it can also imply a sense of discouragement or creating a negative atmosphere toward something.
Synonyms: - Disapprove - Dissuade - Oppose - Discourage
Antonyms: - Approve - Encourage - Support
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While "discountenance" itself is not often used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs, you might use phrases like: - Look down on: This means to regard someone or something with disapproval or disdain. Example: She tends to look down on people who do not share her values.
In Summary: "Discountenance" is a formal verb that conveys disapproval or discouragement of certain behaviors or actions.