Dissuade vs. Discourage — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Dissuade involves convincing someone not to take a specific action, focusing on reasoning; discourage, however, encompasses broader methods like diminishing enthusiasm or confidence.
Difference Between Dissuade and Discourage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dissuade typically involves presenting arguments or evidence aimed at convincing someone to avoid a particular course of action, relying heavily on rational persuasion and logical reasoning. Whereas discourage can involve not only arguments but also emotional appeal, environmental conditions, or personal sentiments to reduce someone's willingness or enthusiasm to proceed.
Dissuade is often used in contexts where the decision not to proceed is based on careful consideration and factual dissuasion, such as legal or safety advice. On the other hand, discourage might be used in more personal or subjective contexts, such as someone being discouraged from pursuing a hobby due to lack of talent or support.
Dissuade is more specific and usually targets a particular action or decision, aiming to prevent a specific outcome by addressing the cons directly. Whereas discourage can be more general, affecting a person's general state of mind or attitude towards a range of activities or decisions.
Dissuade often implies a successful influence on someone’s decision-making, effectively steering them away from a choice. In contrast, discourage may not always result in abandonment of actions but can lead to diminished enthusiasm or delay in action.
Dissuade usually involves an interaction between two or more parties, where one party actively works to change the other's mind. Whereas discourage can occur without direct interaction, as individuals may feel discouraged by circumstances, outcomes, or inherent challenges without external persuasion.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Logical arguments and evidence
Emotional, environmental, or personal factors
Usage Context
Specific actions or decisions
General attitude or range of activities
Outcome
Often results in decision change
May lead to reduced enthusiasm or delay
Interaction Required
Yes, involves direct persuasion
No, can occur through indirect factors
Primary Influence Mechanism
Rational persuasion
Emotional or psychological impact
Compare with Definitions
Dissuade
To advise against a specific action.
He was dissuaded from swimming in the turbulent waters.
Discourage
To advise or urge against.
They discouraged him from taking the shortcut through the woods at night.
Dissuade
To prevent an action through reasoning.
His financial advisor dissuaded him from making a hasty investment.
Discourage
To make someone less determined, hopeful, or confident.
The bad weather discouraged us from camping.
Dissuade
To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.
She dissuaded him from buying the expensive car by highlighting its high maintenance costs.
Discourage
To deprive of confidence, hope, or spirit.
Constant criticism discouraged her from finishing the novel.
Dissuade
To deter by advice or persuasion.
The lawyer dissuaded her client from pursuing a risky lawsuit.
Discourage
To reduce enthusiasm for a task or activity.
The long wait at the restaurant discouraged them from dining there again.
Dissuade
To convince someone to reconsider their plans.
They dissuaded us from hiking during the storm.
Discourage
To exhibit disapproval to prevent an action or behavior.
The company discourages smoking in its offices.
Dissuade
Persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action
His friends tried to dissuade him from flying
Discourage
To deprive of confidence, hope, or spirit
Making so little progress after so much effort discouraged us.
Dissuade
To prevent (someone) from a purpose or course of action by persuasion
Dissuaded my friend from pursuing such a rash scheme.
Discourage
To dissuade or deter (someone) from doing something
My adviser discouraged me from applying to big universities.
Dissuade
(transitive) To convince not to try or do.
Jane dissuaded Martha from committing suicide.
Discourage
To try to prevent by expressing disapproval or raising objections
The agency discouraged all travel to the areas hardest hit by the disease.
Dissuade
To advise or exhort against; to try to persuade (one from a course).
Mr. Burchell, on the contrary, dissuaded her with great ardor: and I stood neuter.
War, therefore, open or concealed, alikeMy voice dissuades.
Discourage
(transitive) To extinguish the courage of; to dishearten; to depress the spirits of; to deprive of confidence; to deject.
Don't be discouraged by the amount of work left to do: you'll finish it in good time.
Dissuade
To divert by persuasion; to turn from a purpose by reasons or motives; - with from; as, I could not dissuade him from his purpose.
I have tried what is possible to dissuade him.
Discourage
(transitive) To persuade somebody not to do (something).
Dissuade
Turn away from by persuasion;
Negative campaigning will only dissuade people
Discourage
(rare) Lack of courage
Discourage
To extinguish the courage of; to dishearten; to depress the spirits of; to deprive of confidence; to deject; - the opposite of encourage; as, he was discouraged in his undertaking; he need not be discouraged from a like attempt.
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Discourage
To dishearten one with respect to; to discountenance; to seek to check by disfavoring; to deter one from; as, they discouraged his efforts.
Discourage
Lack of courage; cowardliness.
Discourage
Try to prevent; show opposition to;
We should discourage this practice among our youth
Discourage
Deprive of courage or hope; take away hope from; cause to feel discouraged
Discourage
Admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior;
I warned him not to go too far
I warn you against false assumptions
She warned him to be quiet
Common Curiosities
Can dissuade and discourage be used interchangeably?
While they are similar, they are not always interchangeable as dissuade is more about convincing with reasons and discourage can also involve emotional aspects.
What is the main difference between dissuade and discourage?
Dissuade focuses on logical reasoning to stop a specific action, while discourage can involve various methods to lower enthusiasm or confidence broadly.
Does discourage always mean that the person is stopped from doing something?
Not necessarily; discourage often reduces someone's willingness or enthusiasm without necessarily stopping them.
How does discourage affect a person's behavior?
It can make them less eager or willing to continue an activity or pursue a goal.
What are effective ways to dissuade someone?
Presenting factual and logical arguments that counteract the benefits of an intended action is effective.
Can one be self-discouraged?
Yes, individuals can feel self-discouraged due to personal doubts or perceived obstacles.
Can discouragement be a form of manipulation?
Yes, discouragement can sometimes be used manipulatively to sway someone’s decision or behavior.
Is dissuade always related to verbal arguments?
Yes, dissuading typically involves verbal arguments or reasoning.
What type of communication is usually involved when trying to dissuade someone?
Communication that involves rational and logical reasoning is typical when trying to dissuade someone.
What can lead to a person being dissuaded?
Factors like new information, advice from trusted sources, or changes in circumstances can lead to someone being dissuaded.
How do personal values impact one's likelihood to dissuade or discourage?
Personal values can dictate the extent and manner in which one might try to dissuade or discourage others, aligning with or against certain actions based on those values.
Can discouragement come from non-verbal cues?
Yes, discouragement can arise from non-verbal cues like body language or situational context.
How does societal influence play into discouragement?
Societal expectations or norms can significantly influence one’s feelings of discouragement.
What are common reasons why people discourage others?
Reasons can include perceived risks, concern for well-being, or skepticism about the likelihood of success.
Are there professions where dissuading is more common?
Yes, professions like law, counseling, and safety-related fields often involve dissuading others.
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Discontent vs. MalcontentAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
