# discount

/ˈdɪskaʊnt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discount
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. price reduction

noun · CEFR A2

an amount of money taken off the usual cost of something.

For teachers: a reduction in the gross amount or list price of an item or service.

- Students can get a ten percent discount on books at this shop.
- The retailer offered a substantial discount to customers who were willing to purchase the floor models rather than waiting for new stock.

### 2. to dismiss an idea

verb · CEFR B2

to decide that something is not true or not important.

For teachers: to disregard or minimize the significance of information, a theory, or a claim.

- You shouldn't discount the possibility of rain just because the sun is out now.
- The board was quick to discount the consultant's warnings, a decision they would later regret when the market shifted as predicted.

### 3. to reduce a price

verb · CEFR B1

to lower the price of something you are selling.

For teachers: to offer an item for sale at a lower price than its standard retail value.

- The shop usually discounts its winter coats in February.
- The airline began to heavily discount its long-haul fares in an attempt to recover market share from its low-cost competitors.

### 4. selling at lower prices

adjective · CEFR B1

describing a shop or product that is cheaper than others.

For teachers: specializing in or relating to the sale of goods at prices below those standardly charged.

- We buy our groceries at a discount supermarket to save money.
- The rise of discount retailers has fundamentally altered the landscape of the high street, forcing traditional department stores to reconsider their pricing strategies.

### 5. financial deduction

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to take away an amount of interest when lending money.

For teachers: to lend money upon a bill or note, deducting the interest or allowance in advance.

- The bank will discount the bill and give you the cash today.
- The central bank agreed to discount the commercial paper at a preferential rate to ensure liquidity within the regional financial system.

Usage: The verb is transitive and typically used in banking or legal contracts.

## Examples

- The shop offers a ten percent discount for students.
- If you book your flights at least three months in advance, you can usually secure a significant discount.
- Retailers often use a deep discount on high-demand items as a loss leader to entice customers into the store, hoping they will purchase full-priced goods as well.

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