Desolately: meaning, definitions and examples

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desolately

[ˈdɛsələtli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

feeling

In a desolate and bleak manner; feeling very lonely and unhappy.

Synonyms

forlornly, gloomily, miserably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desolately	Used to describe a place or a feeling that is empty, deserted, and lacking any form of life or cheer. She looked out at the desolately abandoned house on the hill He walked desolately through the ruins of the old town
forlornly	Best used when describing a person or situation that feels abandoned, hopeless, or lonely. It often implies a sense of longing or sadness. The child sat forlornly at the edge of the playground, watching the other kids play She glanced forlornly at the wedding invitations she never sent
miserably	Often used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or discomfort. Can be applied to both emotional feelings and physical conditions. He shivered miserably in the cold, damp cave After the argument, she felt miserably alone
gloomily	Appropriate for situations that are dark, depressing, or filled with sadness. It can describe both physical environments and emotional states. The sky was overcast, and he gloomily trudged through the rain She spoke gloomily about the difficult times they were facing

Examples of usage

She looked around desolately, realizing she was completely alone.
He wandered desolately through the empty streets, lost in his thoughts.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

landscape

In a way that lacks inhabitants or visitors; in a dreary and deserted manner.

Synonyms

barrenly, bleakly, desertedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desolately	Use when describing a place or a situation that feels abandoned and void of life, often evoking feelings of sadness and loneliness. She wandered desolately through the empty streets, wondering where everyone had gone. The old, desolate house stood as a silent reminder of the town's past.
bleakly	Suited for situations or places that feel hopeless, cold, and cheerless, often conveying a strong sense of despair. He stared bleakly at the grey horizon, unable to muster any hope for a better tomorrow. The forecast predicted nothing but rain and cloudy skies, which matched her bleak mood.
desertedly	Best for scenarios where a place appears completely abandoned and empty, usually without any signs of life or activity. The playground stood desertedly, the swings swaying gently in the wind. The once bustling market now lay desertedly in the twilight.
barrenly	Appropriate for describing a landscape or environment that is devoid of vegetation, beauty, or productivity, making it seem empty and lifeless. The land stretched out barrenly, offering no shelter or sustenance for miles. The desert sun beat down on the barren, rocky ground.

Examples of usage

The town was desolately quiet, with boarded-up buildings lining the streets.
The desert stretched out desolately, with no signs of life for miles.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'desolatus', meaning 'abandoned' or 'isolated'.
It entered English in the late 14th century, originally describing physical place but later emotional states.

Literature

The term often reflects themes of abandonment, isolation, and longing in poetry and novels.
It appears in famous works, accompanying characters in their most emotional moments, expressing deep sorrow.

Psychology

Feeling desolate can be linked to depression and a sense of hopelessness, highlighting the impact of solitude.
Studies show that social connections can reduce feelings of desolation, emphasizing the importance of community.

Art

Artists use desolate imagery to evoke feelings of loneliness in their work, using empty landscapes or abandoned places.
The concept is reflected in various art styles, from Romanticism to Modernism, often portraying emotional depth.

Pop Culture

In music, many songs describe desolate feelings, often reflecting on lost love or heartbreak.
Movies often depict desolate settings to convey characters' emotional struggles, using visuals to enhance storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "desolately" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desoladamente

🇮🇳 उदासीनता से

🇩🇪 trostlos

🇮🇩 dengan putus asa

🇺🇦 спустошено

🇵🇱 beznadziejnie

🇯🇵 絶望的に (zetsubō-teki ni)

🇫🇷 désespérément

🇪🇸 desoladamente

🇹🇷 umutsuzca

🇰🇷 절망적으로 (jeolmangjeogeuro)

🇸🇦 بائس

🇨🇿 beznadějně

🇸🇰 beznádejne

🇨🇳 绝望地 (juéwàng de)

🇸🇮 obupano

🇮🇸 örvæntingarfullur

🇰🇿 үмітсіздікпен

🇬🇪 უიმედოდ

🇦🇿 ümidsizcə

🇲🇽 desoladamente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,919, 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.

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39917 daffy
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39921 rusk
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