Discard

Definition

Discard refers to the act of getting rid of something that is no longer useful or desired. It can also mean to remove a playing card from one’s hand during a card game.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsˈkɑːrd/
• Respelling: dis-KARD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsˈkɑːd/
• Respelling: dis-KAHD

The pronunciation of "discard" differs slightly between American and British English, primarily in the vowel sound in the second syllable.

Etymology

The word "discard" originates from the Old French word "descarder," meaning "to throw out," which comes from the Latin word "dis-" meaning "apart" and "card," which referred to the removal of playing cards. It was first used in the 16th century in reference to playing cards and later evolved to mean getting rid of any unwanted or unnecessary item.

Derivatives

• Discardable (adjective)
• Discarding (verb)
• Discards (noun, plural)
• Undiscarded (adjective)
• Discarter (noun)

Synonyms

• Dispose
• Throw away
• Abandon

Antonyms

• Keep
• Retain
• Save

Usage

The word "discard" is used in both everyday and specialized contexts. It can refer to physically throwing away unwanted items, such as "I discarded the old papers," or in a metaphorical sense, such as "He discarded the outdated ideas." In card games, it refers to the act of removing a card from one’s hand and placing it in a discard pile.

Related Terms

• Dispose: To get rid of something, typically something that is no longer wanted.
• Jettison: To throw or drop something from an aircraft or ship.
• Scrap: To discard something that is no longer useful or desired.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To get rid of something unwanted or no longer useful: Refers to the act of removing or throwing away an item that is no longer needed.
  • Example: "She discarded the broken chair."
• In card games, to remove a card from one’s hand: Refers to the act of getting rid of a card by placing it in a discard pile.
  • Example: "He discarded the queen of hearts to draw a new card."

Noun

• An item or thing that has been thrown away: Refers to something that has been discarded or thrown out as waste.
  • Example: "The trash was full of yesterday’s discards."
• A card removed from a player’s hand in a card game: Refers to a card that has been set aside during a game.
  • Example: "His discard was a low-value card."