Discouragement - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Discouragement is the feeling of losing enthusiasm and hope, often because of setbacks or perceived failure. It's that sinking feeling when you think your efforts are not paying off. Think of it as the opposite of motivation; it's like when you're playing a video game and keep losing, making you want to quit. It's not just sadness, but a demotivating force that can hold you back from achieving your goals. Discouragement can be temporary, but if prolonged, it can seriously impact your well-being and progress. Overcoming discouragement means finding ways to reignite your passion and belief in yourself. 💪

Etymology

The word "discouragement" comes from the Old French word "descoragier," meaning "to dishearten." It combines the prefix "dis-" (meaning "opposite of") with "corage," which means "heart" or "courage." Essentially, discouragement is the act of taking away someone's heart or courage. The word evolved through Middle English to reach its modern form. It highlights the emotional impact of feeling disheartened or losing motivation. ❤️‍🩹

Related Words

Examples

• "The constant criticism was a major source of discouragement for the young artist."
• "Despite the initial discouragement, she decided to continue her studies."
• "His failure to make the team led to a deep sense of discouragement."
• "The team faced discouragement after losing three games in a row."

Encouragement

Don't let discouragement win! It's a normal part of life, but it doesn't have to control you. Find healthy ways to cope, like talking to friends, pursuing hobbies, or setting small, achievable goals. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback! 🌟 Keep your chin up and keep moving forward. 😊

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