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discipline

DIS-uh-plin /ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn/

nounverbB1

General

The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior; the quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way.

In sports, discipline isn't just about punishment; it's about the self-control to stick to a plan.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'disciplina', meaning 'instruction or knowledge'. It shares the same root as 'disciple', reminding us that true discipline isn't about punishment, but about being a student of your craft and following a path of learning.

Word relationships

control: Control is the state of being managed; discipline is the training that leads to that state.

chaos: Chaos is the total lack of order or discipline.

Commonly confused with

punishment: Punishment is a consequence for a mistake; discipline is the training to prevent the mistake.

Word family

disciplinary (adjective): Concerning or enforcing discipline.
disciplined (adjective): Showing a controlled form of behavior or way of working.

Collocations

self-discipline
strict discipline
enforce discipline

Example sentences

"We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment." Personal growth (Jim Rohn)
"The discipline of the Roman legions was legendary and allowed them to defeat much larger armies." Military context

Memory hook

A 'Disciple' follows 'Discipline' to learn from their master. Training like a student.

When not to use

Don't use it to mean 'punishment' exclusively; it more often refers to 'training' in a positive sense.

Fun facts

In the Middle Ages, 'discipline' also referred to a small whip used for self-punishment, though this meaning is now obsolete in sports.