discountenance
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /dɪsˈkaʊntɪnəns/
KK: /dɪsˈkaʊntɪnəns/
noun
Definition
A feeling of disapproval or disfavor towards something or someone.
Example
Her discountenance of the proposal was clear during the meeting.
Conversation
Did you see how the manager showed discountenance towards that suggestion in the meeting?
Yeah, it was pretty obvious that he didn't like it at all.
I wonder if he always feels that way about new ideas.
Probably, but it's good to have some fresh perspectives sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disapproval
disfavor
condemnation
Antonyms
approval
endorsement
support
transitive verb
Definition
To show disapproval or to discourage someone from doing something.
Example
The teacher discountenanced the idea of cheating on the exam.
Tense Forms
Past: discountenanced
Past Participle: discountenanced
Conversation
I really don't like how some people discountenance others for their choices.
Yeah, it can be really frustrating to see that happen.
It makes you wonder why they feel the need to judge, right?
Root Explanation
Discountenance → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "countenance" (from Latin "com-" meaning together and "tenere" meaning to hold). The word means to hold someone apart or to disapprove of something, reflecting a sense of disfavor or lack of support.
Memory Tip
Think of 'holding apart' ('dis-') from someone's 'face' or 'support' ('countenance') — that's why discountenance means to disapprove or show disfavor.
Visually Confused Words
countenance
countenancer
recountenance
undercountenance