Understanding the Difference Between Discomfit and Discomfort

Understanding Discomfit and Discomfort

Today, we will learn about two words: discomfit and discomfort. These words may seem similar, but they have different meanings and uses. Let’s start with each word’s history, then see how to use them, and finally we will learn a trick to remember the difference.

History of the Words

Discomfit is an old word from the 14th century. It comes from the Latin word “discomfitare,” which means to destroy or defeat.

Discomfort is a newer word. It comes from the English words “dis” and “comfort.” It started to be used around the 15th century.

How to Use the Words

Discomfit means to make someone feel uneasy, confused, or embarrassed.

• The teacher’s question discomfited the student.
• His strange behavior discomfited everyone in the room.
• The loud noise discomfited the baby.
• The unexpected change in plans discomfited her.
• The weird movie discomfited the audience.

Discomfort means a feeling of being uncomfortable or in pain.

• Sitting in the chair for too long gave him discomfort.
• Her new shoes caused discomfort to her feet.
• He felt discomfort in his stomach after eating too much.
• The hard bed caused discomfort when he tried to sleep.
• She felt discomfort in the hot weather.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Here is a simple trick to remember the difference:

Discomfit has an “f” which looks like a funny face. Think of someone looking funny and feeling uneasy.

Discomfort has “comfort” in it. So, it is the opposite of comfort, meaning not comfortable.

Summary

Discomfit is a verb that means to make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed. Discomfort is a noun that means a feeling of being uncomfortable or in pain. Remember the trick: funny face for discomfit and not comfortable for discomfort.