Discouraged - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

To be 'discouraged' means to have lost enthusiasm or confidence. It's feeling less hopeful or optimistic about something. A discouraged person might feel like giving up or losing interest in a goal. Discouragement is more than just feeling a little sad; it's a setback to your spirit. It is like facing a tough challenge and starting to doubt your abilities. It's like studying hard for a test but still feeling unprepared. 😔

Etymology

The word 'discouraged' comes from the Old French word 'descoragier,' meaning 'to deprive of courage.' The prefix 'dis-' means 'apart' or 'away,' and 'courage' refers to the ability to face fear or difficulty. So, to discourage someone is to take away their courage, leaving them feeling less confident. This origin emphasizes how discouragement weakens one's resolve. 💔

Related Words

Examples

  • "She felt discouraged when she didn't get the part in the play."
  • "The constant rejections discouraged him from pursuing his dream."
  • "He became discouraged by the slow progress on his project."
  • "The bad weather discouraged them from going on a hike."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine you're playing a game like 'Minecraft' and you spend hours building something amazing, only for it to get destroyed by a creeper. You might feel discouraged and want to quit. It's frustrating when your hard work is undone. That's what being discouraged feels like. 💥

Encouragement

It's normal to feel discouraged sometimes, but don't let it stop you! Take a break, reassess your goals, and remember your past successes. You can overcome challenges with perseverance! 💪

🚀 Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

✅ Daily word delivery ✅ Etymology & examples ✅ Interactive learning ✅ 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
📱 Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial