Discount

Definition

Discount is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a reduction in the usual price of an item or service. As a verb, it means to reduce the price of something or to regard something as unimportant or not credible.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɪsˌkaʊnt/
• Respelling: DIS-kownt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɪskaʊnt/
• Respelling: DIS-kownt

Etymology

The word "discount" originates from the Latin "discomputare," meaning "to calculate away," from "dis-" (away) and "computare" (to calculate). It entered English through Old French "descompter," meaning "to deduct." In English, it evolved to refer to price reductions and disregarding certain information.

Derivatives

• Discounted (adjective)
• Discounting (verb)
• Discountable (adjective)
• Discountable (noun)
• Undiscounted (adjective)

Synonyms

• Reduction
• Rebate
• Deduction

Antonyms

• Markup
• Increase
• Surcharge

Usage

The term "discount" is commonly used in retail contexts to indicate a lowered price, as in "The store offered a 20% discount on all items." It is also used as a verb, as in "They discounted the idea as impractical."

Related Terms

• Promotion: A marketing strategy offering temporary discounts or deals.
• Clearance: A sale of reduced-price items, often to clear inventory.
• Bargain: A product offered at a reduced price, often seen as a good deal.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A reduction in the usual price of something: Refers to a decreased price applied to a product or service.
  • Example: "The supermarket offered a 10% discount on produce."

Verb

• To reduce the price of something: Refers to lowering the cost of a product or service.
  • Example: "The store discounted all summer items."
• To regard something as unimportant or unlikely: Used to describe the action of dismissing a concept, fact, or opinion.
  • Example: "She discounted the rumors as baseless."