discipline
DIH-sihp-lihn
Discipline (noun) means the practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour. Example: “Learning an instrument takes patience and discipline.”
noun
1
The practice of training yourself or others to follow rules and control behaviour.
"Learning an instrument takes patience and discipline."
"It takes real discipline to get up at 5am and train every day."
"The coach was known for his strict discipline on the field."
2
A particular branch of knowledge or study.
"Economics is a discipline that studies how people use limited resources."
"She moved from one academic discipline to another when she changed degrees."
"Psychology is a discipline that overlaps with biology and philosophy."
verb
1
To train someone to behave in a controlled way, or to punish them for breaking rules.
"Teachers must discipline pupils fairly when they break the school rules."
"The manager had to discipline an employee for repeated lateness."
"Good parents discipline their children with consistency, not anger."
How to use discipline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the self-control/training needed to follow rules, a field of study, or the act of correcting bad behaviour.
Memory tip
If someone "has discipline," they control themselves well; if someone "disciplines" you, they are correcting or punishing you.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
self-discipline
strict discipline
discipline a child
academic discipline
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Word forms
- Plural
- disciplines
- Third person singular
- disciplines
- Past tense
- disciplined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Learning an instrument takes patience and _____.
Etymology
From Latin disciplina, "instruction," related to discipulus ("pupil") and discere ("to learn").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
indiscipline
Related words
Rhymes for discipline
See all rhymes for 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.
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