Desolated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desolated
[หdษsษหleษชtษชd ]
Definition
feeling lonely
Desolated describes a state of being abandoned or deserted, often relating to a sense of profound emptiness or overwhelming loneliness. It can also refer to places that are barren or uninhabited, conveying a feeling of desolation or ruin.
Synonyms
abandoned, deserted, devoid, forlorn.
Examples of usage
- After the storm passed, the village looked desolated and haunting.
- He felt desolated after his best friend moved away.
- The desolated landscape stretched for miles without signs of life.
- Years of neglect left the factory desolated and covered in weeds.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Authors often use desolation to evoke strong emotions, portraying characters in solitude or despair.
- In classic literature, desolated settings highlight the internal conflicts of characters, such as in Mary Shelleyโs 'Frankenstein.'
- Poems frequently depict desolation to reflect themes of loss, as seen in T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land.'
Psychology
- Feelings of desolation can stem from loneliness, impacting mental health and well-being.
- Psychologists note that chronic loneliness can lead to profound feelings of despair and isolation.
- Therapeutic approaches often focus on rebuilding connections to combat feelings of desolation.
Art
- Desolated landscapes are a popular theme in paintings, capturing the beauty of emptiness, like in the works of Edward Hopper.
- Photographers often depict deserted places to evoke feelings of nostalgia and solitude.
- Film directors like Andrei Tarkovsky used desolation in visuals to deepen narrative themes, creating a reflective atmosphere.
Pop Culture
- Songs about heartbreak often capture a sense of desolation, portraying the aftermath of a lost relationship.
- Video games sometimes feature desolated worlds, inviting players to explore themes of survival and hope.
- Movies set in post-apocalyptic scenarios vividly depict human desolation, emphasizing loss and the struggle to reconnect.
Origin of 'desolated'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'desolatus,' meaning 'abandoned' or 'wasted.'
- In medieval times, it referred to physical spaces that were deserted after battles or disasters.
- The term is also connected to 'solus,' which means 'alone' in Latin, emphasizing the sense of isolation.
The word 'desolated' originates from the Latin verb 'desolare', which means 'to abandon, lay waste'. The term evolved through the Old French 'desoler', implying to bring to desolation or to destroy. In the English language, the word began to appear around the early 17th century, reflecting feelings of profound sadness or emptiness. It has been used in literature to depict settings or emotions where isolation plays a significant role, often evoking a sense of sorrow and abandonment. The emotional resonance of desolation has allowed the word to maintain its use throughout centuries, often associated with both physical places and emotional states, highlighting its versatile application in various contexts.