discount

An amount taken off the usual price of something.

• Can I get a discount?
• The shop offers a ten percent discount on shoes.
• We bought these tickets at a discount.

How to use it: discount on something (Students get a discount on train tickets.); at a discount (We bought the chairs at a discount.)

Similar words: price reduction

Common phrases: get a discount, student discount, discount on something

To reduce the price of something you sell.

• The shop discounted its winter coats.
• We discount tickets for students.
• They have heavily discounted last year’s models.

How to use it: discount something by + amount (The shop discounted all coats by twenty percent.)

Similar words: reduce, mark down

Common phrases: discount something heavily, discount the price, discount all goods

To decide that something is unimportant, unlikely, or not worth considering.

• Do not discount her advice.
• They discounted his warning because he often exaggerated.
• We cannot discount the possibility of further delays.

Similar words: dismiss, disregard, ignore

Opposites: consider

Common phrases: discount a possibility, discount someone’s advice, discount the evidence

To pay money for a debt document before payment is due, taking off an amount for interest.

• The bank agreed to discount the bill.
• Banks discount trade bills to provide businesses with cash.
• The lender discounted the note before its payment date.

Common phrases: discount a bill, discount commercial paper, discount a note

Selling goods at lower prices than usual.

• We shop at a discount supermarket.
• A new discount store opened near the station.
• Discount retailers often sell household goods very cheaply.

Similar words: low-cost, cut-price

Common phrases: discount store, discount retailer, discount supermarket