Desolated: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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 Shelley’s '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.

At rank #26,932, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

• ...
• 26929 evenness
• 26930 tassel
• 26931 unruffled
• 26932 desolated
• 26933 honorific
• 26934 leftists
• 26935 smock
• ...