discipline
14 synonyms and 1 antonym for discipline, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
self-control
bailiwick
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour.
“Learning an instrument takes patience and discipline.”
Opposites
indiscipline
How to use discipline
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
self-discipline
strict discipline
discipline a child
academic discipline
Etymology
From Latin disciplina, "instruction," related to discipulus ("pupil") and discere ("to learn").
Full origin of discipline →Frequently asked questions
What does “discipline” mean?
The word “discipline” means the practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour. In plain terms, either the self-control/training needed to follow rules, a field of study, or the act of correcting bad behaviour.
How do you pronounce “discipline”?
“Discipline” is pronounced DIH-sihp-lihn (/ˈdɪsəplɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “discipline” in a sentence?
Here is “discipline” used in a sentence: “It takes real discipline to get up at 5am and train every day.”
What is another word for “discipline”?
Words with a similar meaning to “discipline” include drill.
What part of speech is “discipline”?
Depending on how it is used, “discipline” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “discipline” come from?
The word “discipline” comes from Latin. From Latin disciplina, "instruction," related to discipulus ("pupil") and discere ("to learn").
Is “discipline” a common word?
“Discipline” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “discipline” have?
“Discipline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour.
What is the difference between 'discipline' and 'punishment'?
Discipline is the practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour, and it is aimed at learning and self-control over time. Punishment is a penalty imposed for wrongdoing after it happens, so punishment can be one tool of discipline but is not the same as it.
What is the difference between 'discipline' and 'self-discipline'?
Discipline can refer to training and control imposed by others as well as by yourself. Self-discipline narrows this to controlling your own behaviour and following rules without outside enforcement, as in sticking to a routine or resisting distractions on your own.
