Desolately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desolately
[ˈdɛsələtli ]
Definitions
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.
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| forlornly |
Best used when describing a person or situation that feels abandoned, hopeless, or lonely. It often implies a sense of longing or sadness.
|
| miserably |
Often used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or discomfort. Can be applied to both emotional feelings and physical conditions.
|
| gloomily |
Appropriate for situations that are dark, depressing, or filled with sadness. It can describe both physical environments and emotional states.
|
Examples of usage
- She looked around desolately, realizing she was completely alone.
- He wandered desolately through the empty streets, lost in his thoughts.
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.
|
| bleakly |
Suited for situations or places that feel hopeless, cold, and cheerless, often conveying a strong sense of despair.
|
| desertedly |
Best for scenarios where a place appears completely abandoned and empty, usually without any signs of life or activity.
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| barrenly |
Appropriate for describing a landscape or environment that is devoid of vegetation, beauty, or productivity, making it seem empty and lifeless.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'desolately'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The adverb 'desolately' is derived from the adjective 'desolate', which comes from the Latin word 'desolatus', meaning 'abandoned'. The word has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe a sense of emptiness, loneliness, or despair. Over the years, 'desolately' has become a popular choice to convey a feeling of desolation or abandonment, both in personal emotions and physical landscapes.
See also: desolation.