discount
dih-SKOWNT
Discount (noun) means a reduction in the usual price of something. Example: “The shop gave us a discount because the box was damaged.”
noun
1
A reduction in the usual price of something.
"The shop gave us a discount because the box was damaged."
"Students get a 20% discount on museum tickets."
"She asked for a discount since she was buying in bulk."
verb
1
To reduce the price of something.
"The shop will discount unsold items at the end of the season."
"They discounted the tickets for families who booked early."
"The store discounted all winter coats by half."
2
To dismiss or treat something as unimportant or unlikely to be true.
"We shouldn't discount the possibility that the train will be late."
"The detective did not discount the witness's story, even though it seemed odd."
"Don't discount his advice just because he's younger than you."
How to use discount
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA price cut (noun/verb), or to dismiss something as unlikely or unimportant (verb).
Common mistake
When it means "dismiss an idea," don't confuse it with "discredit" (attack someone's reputation) — discount just means "not take seriously."
Common pairings
a discount on
discount rate
discount an idea
heavily discounted
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Word forms
- Plural
- discounts
- Third person singular
- discounts
- Past tense
- discounted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The shop gave us a _____ because the box was damaged.
Etymology
From Old French desconter, "to reckon off," from Medieval Latin discomputare — built from dis- plus computare, "to count."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for discount
See all rhymes for discount →Frequently asked questions
What does “discount” mean?
The word “discount” means a reduction in the usual price of something. In plain terms, a price cut (noun/verb), or to dismiss something as unlikely or unimportant (verb).
How do you pronounce “discount”?
“Discount” is pronounced dih-SKOWNT (/dɪˈskaʊnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “discount” in a sentence?
Here is “discount” used in a sentence: “Students get a 20% discount on museum tickets.”
What is the opposite of “discount”?
The opposite of “discount” — its antonyms — is surcharge.
What part of speech is “discount”?
Depending on how it is used, “discount” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “discount” come from?
The word “discount” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French desconter, "to reckon off," from Medieval Latin discomputare — built from dis- plus computare, "to count.".
Is “discount” a common word?
“Discount” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “discount” have?
“Discount” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reduction in the usual price of something.
What is the difference between a discount and a rebate?
A discount reduces the price at the moment of purchase, so you pay less at the checkout. A rebate is money returned to the buyer after the purchase, usually once a claim or condition has been met.
What is the difference between a discount and a sale?
A discount is a reduction applied to the usual price of an item. A sale is a broader event or period during which a shop offers discounts on many items at once.
What is the difference between 'discount' and 'markdown'?
The two are close in meaning and often interchangeable. In retail, a markdown usually describes a lasting, official reduction of an item's listed price, while discount is the more general word for any price cut.
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