The word "discontent" is spelled with a stress on the second syllable, dis-CON-tent, and is pronounced as /dɪskənˈtɛnt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a syllabic "n" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a stressed "o" sound and a short "e" sound. The final syllable has an unstressed "t" sound, followed by a syllabic "n" sound. "Discontent" refers to a feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation or circumstance.
Discontent is a noun that refers to a feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness, often stemming from an unfulfilled desire, a sense of unfairness, or a perceived lack of what is wanted or needed. It is the opposite of contentment, which means having a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
The state of discontentment can arise from various aspects of one's life, such as personal relationships, work, financial situation, or societal issues. It reflects a restless and dissatisfied state of mind, a longing for something better or different, or disappointment with the current circumstances.
Discontent can also describe an individual's attitude or disposition, characterized by a perpetual state of dissatisfaction or the tendency to express dissatisfaction frequently. Discontented people often showcase a negative outlook, finding fault with their surroundings or the actions of others.
The term can have broader connotations, extending beyond personal feelings to social or political realms. Social discontent refers to a prevailing dissatisfaction or unrest within a community or society, which may manifest in protests, demonstrations, or demands for change. Similarly, political discontent signifies widespread dissatisfaction with the actions or policies of a government or ruling authority, resulting in a desire for reform or revolution.
In general, discontent represents a state of discontentment, unhappiness, or dissatisfaction with one's circumstances, which may stem from personal, societal, or political factors.
Uneasy in mind; unquiet; dissatisfied.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "discontent" originates from the Latin word "discontentum", which is the past participle of "discontendere". "Discontendere" is a combination of the prefix "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "away") and the verb "contendere" (meaning "to strive or struggle"). Thus, "discontent" can be understood as the state of being apart or away from contentment, reflecting a feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with one's current situation.