Discountenancing is a 15-letter word that refers to the act of disapproving, discouraging or showing dissuasion towards something. Its pronunciation is /dɪsˈkaʊnt.ən.ænsɪŋ/ with primary stress on the second syllable. The word starts with "dis-" which means "not" or "lack of," and is followed by "countenance" which means "approval" or "support." Discountenancing is a complex word that may challenge those who are not familiar with its advanced vocabulary and spelling.
Discountenancing is a verb that refers to the act of disapproving or discouraging something strongly. It involves expressing disapproval or dissent towards a particular action, behavior, or idea. The term typically implies actively opposing or discouraging something, usually due to moral, social, or practical reasons.
When one discountenances something, they actively resist or discourage it, often by expressing their disapproval or utilizing their influence to discourage its occurrence or continuation. This term conveys a sense of strong disapproval or disagreement, indicating that one is not merely indifferent but actively opposed to the matter at hand.
Discountenancing can be seen in various contexts, such as social movements, political debates, or personal relationships. For example, a government may discountenance corrupt practices and take actions to eradicate them. Similarly, an individual may discountenance disrespectful or unethical behavior by expressing their disapproval and discouraging others from engaging in such actions.
In summary, discountenancing involves actively expressing disapproval, dissent, or discouragement towards a particular action, behavior, or idea. It signifies a strong opposition or disapproval, indicating that one actively resists or discourages the matter in question.
The word "discountenancing" is derived from the combination of two words: "dis" and "countenance".
The prefix "dis-" comes from the Latin word "dis", meaning "apart" or "away". It is often used to express negation, reversal, or removal.
The word "countenance" originally comes from the Old French word "contenance", which means "behavior" or "demeanor". It, in turn, comes from the Latin word "con-" meaning "with" or "together", and "tenere" meaning "to hold". Thus, "countenance" refers to the way one holds oneself or carries oneself.
When the prefix "dis-" is added to "countenance", it alters the meaning to "to disapprove of" or "to discourage".