Similar. But in example sentences, you can say discarded is usually more for non-living things example, I am going to discard my toy. But abandoned is more for living things like, I am abandoning my son. But context of the sentences is important as well. Hope this helps.

Thank you,Chris

Hallo Fiona, what Khais has said is correct. However, in prose dialogue, poetry and creative thinking 'discard' can be used for people. For example: That poor girl was discarded like a dirty rag and left alone on the streets to rot....: The word 'abandoned' is used to describe a concept, an idea or a thought as well as a human being. Example: I abandoned the idea of designng this project and instead I will choose that project. OR, I abandoned hope because all seemed lost and no food was ever going to come. Abandoned / Discarded - context. Think of it this way, Abandon = Letting go of something you already have out of necessity or selfishness or good reason, turning your back on something or someone, Discard = Throwing something away with the pecific intention that it is of no use to you, it has no more purpose.