"Descontar" is a versatile verb commonly used in various contexts, particularly in economics, commerce, and law. It generally means to reduce a price from a total (as in sales or discounts) or to deduct an amount from a total (as in financial calculations). In a broader context, it can refer to dismissing or disregarding something.
In terms of frequency, "descontar" is frequently used in both oral and written forms, as it commonly appears in business communications, advertisements, and everyday conversations related to shopping and finances.
The manager decided to discount 20% on all products for the promotion.
Antes de pagar la factura, debes descontar el depósito que hiciste.
Before paying the bill, you must deduct the deposit you made.
Descontar los gastos adicionales es crucial para mantener el presupuesto bajo control.
"Descontar" is used in various idiomatic expressions, especially in informal contexts or when discussing savings, expenses, or financial strategies.
It's time to take off the list those who will not keep their promises.
Descontar experiencias.
Sometimes, it's easy to discount past experiences that taught us valuable lessons.
Descontar el tiempo.
We need to subtract the time lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
No se puede descontar la importancia de la educación.
The verb "descontar" originates from the combination of the prefix "des-" indicating negation or removal, and the root "contar," which means "to count." Thus, the etymology indicates the action of removing or subtracting from a total.
Synonyms: - Deducir (to deduct) - Restar (to subtract) - Rebajar (to lower)
Antonyms: - Aumentar (to increase) - Sumar (to add) - Incrementar (to augment)