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DISCONTENTED
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing
Example:
was discontented with his position
Synonyms:
discontent; discontented
Classified under:
Similar:
disaffected; ill-affected; malcontent; rebellious (discontented as toward authority)
disgruntled; dissatisfied (in a state of sulky dissatisfaction)
restless; ungratified; unsatisfied (worried and uneasy)
Also:
unhappy (experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent)
displeased (not pleased; experiencing or manifesting displeasure)
Antonym:
contented (satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are)
Derivation:
discontentedness (a longing for something better than the present situation)
II. (verb)
Sense 1
Past simple / past participle of the verb discontent
Context examples:
That Lady Russell, of steady age and character, and extremely well provided for, should have no thought of a second marriage, needs no apology to the public, which is rather apt to be unreasonably discontented when a woman does marry again, than when she does not; but Sir Walter's continuing in singleness requires explanation.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
She tried not to be envious or discontented, but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things, gay friends, accomplishments, and a happy life.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
She vanished like a discontented fairy; or like one of those supernatural beings, whom it was popularly supposed I was entitled to see; and never came back any more.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Mrs. Norris, much discontented, was obliged to compose herself to work again; and Fanny, walking off in agitating consciousness, found herself, as she anticipated, in another minute alone with Mr. Crawford.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Elizabeth soon perceived, that though this great lady was not in commission of the peace of the county, she was a most active magistrate in her own parish, the minutest concerns of which were carried to her by Mr. Collins; and whenever any of the cottagers were disposed to be quarrelsome, discontented, or too poor, she sallied forth into the village to settle their differences, silence their complaints, and scold them into harmony and plenty.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
A little, when you look moody and discontented, as you sometimes do, for you've got such a strong will, if you once get started wrong, I'm afraid it would be hard to stop you.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Of the shape of the room, of the cracks in the ceiling, of the paper on the walls, of the flaws in the window-glass making ripples and dimples on the prospect, of the washing-stand being rickety on its three legs, and having a discontented something about it, which reminded me of Mrs. Gummidge under the influence of the old one.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
So they asked an old woman what spell they could use to make them happy, and she said, 'When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.' (Here Jo looked up quickly, as if about to speak, but changed her mind, seeing that the story was not done yet.)
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Discontented people might talk of corruption in the Commons, closeness in the Commons, and the necessity of reforming the Commons, said Mr. Spenlow solemnly, in conclusion; but when the price of wheat per bushel had been highest, the Commons had been busiest; and a man might lay his hand upon his heart, and say this to the whole world,—Touch the Commons, and down comes the country!
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
"I ought, but I don't," thought Amy, as her eye went from the bright page to May's discontented face behind the big vases, that could not hide the vacancies her pretty work had once filled.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
