Bleaker: meaning, definitions and examples

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bleaker

 

[ ˈbliː.kər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

general use

The term 'bleaker' refers to something that is more depressing, dreary, or desolate than its counterpart. It conveys an atmosphere of hopelessness and is often used to describe situations that are devoid of joy or optimism. In literature and conversation, it may be employed to depict a stark, discouraging reality. This adjective typically emphasizes a comparative state, suggesting that while something may be bleak, the term 'bleaker' indicates an even greater level of bleakness.

Synonyms

darker, gloomier, more dismal

Examples of usage

  • The weather seemed even bleaker than yesterday.
  • His outlook on the future grew bleaker with each passing day.
  • The situation in the city became bleaker as time went on.

Translations

Translations of the word "bleaker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sombrio

🇮🇳 उदास

🇩🇪 düster

🇮🇩 suram

🇺🇦 похмурий

🇵🇱 ponury

🇯🇵 陰鬱な

🇫🇷 sombre

🇪🇸 sombrío

🇹🇷 kasvetli

🇰🇷 음침한

🇸🇦 كئيب

🇨🇿 temný

🇸🇰 temný

🇨🇳 阴郁的

🇸🇮 temen

🇮🇸 dimma

🇰🇿 бұлтты

🇬🇪 ბნელ

🇦🇿 qaranlıq

🇲🇽 sombrío

Etymology

The word 'bleak' originated from the Old Norse word 'bleikr', which means 'pale' or 'white'. It first entered the English language in the 14th century, where it was used to describe something that is dull and gray. The comparative form 'bleaker' evolved to indicate an increased degree of bleakness. Over time, 'bleak' and its derivatives have been associated with cold, harsh environments and feelings of despondency or hopelessness. Literature from the 19th and 20th centuries particularly emphasized this term in contexts relating to despair and desolate landscapes, solidifying its use in both descriptive and metaphorical functions in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,912, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.