discount
A discount is a reduction in the usual price of a product or service. It is often used as a way to attract customers or reward specific groups, such as students or regular shoppers.
Examples
3 of 5I got a huge discount on these shoes because they were on sale.
I received a very large price reduction on these shoes because they were part of a sale.
The organization offers a significant discount to senior citizens on all public transport services.
The group provides a large price reduction to elderly people for all public transportation.
Do you think I can get a discount if I buy two of these?
Do you believe the price will be lower if I purchase two items?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'counting' money. The prefix 'dis-' means 'away.' So, a 'discount' is counting some of the price away!
Quick Quiz
If you show your student ID card at the cinema, you can get a 20% ____ on your ticket.
Correct!
The correct answer is: discount
Examples
I got a huge discount on these shoes because they were on sale.
everydayI received a very large price reduction on these shoes because they were part of a sale.
The organization offers a significant discount to senior citizens on all public transport services.
formalThe group provides a large price reduction to elderly people for all public transportation.
Do you think I can get a discount if I buy two of these?
informalDo you believe the price will be lower if I purchase two items?
The study examines how price discounts affect consumer behavior in retail environments.
academicThe research looks at how lowering prices changes how people shop in stores.
We are pleased to offer a corporate discount to your employees for our software subscriptions.
businessWe are happy to give a lower price to your workers for our software service.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
at a discount
being sold for less than the usual price
deep discount
a very large reduction in price
cash discount
a price reduction given for paying immediately in cash
Often Confused With
A 'sale' is the event where many items are cheaper; a 'discount' is the specific amount taken off the price.
A 'refund' is money given back after you have already paid; a 'discount' is a reduction before you pay.
Usage Notes
The word 'discount' is usually followed by the preposition 'on' when referring to a specific item, such as 'a discount on clothes.' It is also common to state the percentage, like 'a 20% discount.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'make a discount,' but the correct verbs to use are 'give,' 'offer,' or 'get' a discount.
Memory Tip
Think of 'counting' money. The prefix 'dis-' means 'away.' So, a 'discount' is counting some of the price away!
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'descontre,' meaning to count off or deduct from an amount.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, you can ask for a discount in markets or for expensive items like cars, but it is not common to haggle in supermarkets or department stores.
Quick Quiz
If you show your student ID card at the cinema, you can get a 20% ____ on your ticket.
Correct!
The correct answer is: discount
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More shopping words
shopping
A1The activity of visiting places like stores or websites to search for and buy goods. It can be a necessary task for daily needs or a leisure activity for enjoyment.
price
A1The price is the specific amount of money you must pay to purchase a product or service. It is usually indicated on a tag, a menu, or a website before you make a transaction.
receipt
A2A receipt is a printed or written document that proves you have paid for a product or service. It usually includes the date, the amount paid, and the name of the items purchased.
store
A1A place where goods are sold to customers, typically a building or a dedicated area within one. It can range from small local shops to large department buildings selling many types of products.
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