discount

Noun: /ˈdɪskaʊnt/, Verb: /dɪsˈkaʊnt/

Say it: Noun: DIS-kownt, Verb: dis-KOWNT

1. noun A deduction from the usual cost of something, typically given for a specific reason.
Students and seniors are eligible for a 10% discount on tickets.
2. verb To regard a possibility, statement, or idea as being unworthy of consideration or belief.
We can't completely discount the theory that the document is a forgery.
3. verb To deduct an amount from the usual price of something.
The airline discounted flights to Europe to boost sales during the off-season.
4. noun The amount by which a financial instrument is sold for less than its face value.
The bond was trading at a discount, suggesting investors were wary of the company's future.

📖 Seen in the wild

Critics were quick to discount the author's latest novel, calling it derivative and uninspired.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ discount in a sentence

I tend to discount much of what he says because he often exaggerates.
The store is offering a deep discount on all last season's merchandise.
Investors are discounting the company's stock due to fears of rising interest rates.
You shouldn't discount the importance of getting a good night's sleep.
Can I get a discount if I buy in bulk?
The initial reports were heavily discounted by officials who claimed the situation was under control.
She bought the floor model at a significant discount.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

reduction markdown rebate deduction allowance concession dismiss disregard

reduction · a more general term for making something smaller, not exclusively about price.

markdown · specifically a price reduction made by the seller, often to clear inventory.

rebate · a refund given after purchase, not a price reduction at the point of sale.

dismiss · for the verb sense, implies deciding something is not worth considering.

Opposites: premium, surcharge, markup, increase

🌱 Where it comes from

The word comes from the Old French 'desconter', meaning 'to count off' or 'deduct'. This was formed from 'des-' (off, away) and 'conter' (to count). Its original meaning was purely financial, referring to a sum deducted from a total, which directly led to the modern sense of a price reduction. The figurative sense of 'disregard' or 'minimize the importance of' emerged later, based on the idea of reducing something's value.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

offer a discountat a deep discountstaff discountdiscount the possibilityheavily discount a claim

Pay attention to the syllable stress, which distinguishes the noun from the verb. The noun is stressed on the first syllable (DIS-count), while the verb is stressed on the second (dis-COUNT). The verb's two meanings, reducing a price and disregarding an idea, are distinct but both carry the core sense of 'reducing value'. Context is key to telling whether a price or a possibility is being discounted.

Word family: discounter, discountable, discounting

💬 Quick answers

What does 'discount' mean?

As a noun, it means a price reduction. As a verb, it can mean to lower a price or, more commonly, to dismiss an idea or statement as unimportant or not credible.

What is the difference between a discount and a rebate?

A discount is a reduction taken at the time of purchase, so you pay less immediately. A rebate is a partial refund you receive after paying the full price, often by submitting a claim.

How is 'discount' pronounced?

The pronunciation changes with the part of speech. The noun is stressed on the first syllable (DIS-count), while the verb is stressed on the second syllable (dis-COUNT).

Is it 'discount on' or 'discount for'?

Both are correct depending on the context. You get a 'discount on' a product (a discount on shoes) but a 'discount for' a reason or group (a discount for students, a discount for paying cash).

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