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Desolation: meaning, definitions and examples

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desolation

 

[ ˌdɛs.əˈleɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feelings

Desolation refers to a state of complete emptiness or devastation, often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, sadness, and hopelessness. It can also describe a place that is deserted, barren, and bleak.

Synonyms

despair, devastation, emptiness, loneliness

Examples of usage

  • The desolation he felt after the loss of his loved one was overwhelming.
  • The desolation of the abandoned town was eerie and unsettling.
  • She wandered through the desolation of the war-torn city, feeling the weight of its destruction.
Context #2 | Noun

environment

Desolation can also refer to a landscape or environment that is devoid of life, with a sense of bleakness and despondency. It often conveys a feeling of isolation and desolation.

Synonyms

barrenness, bleakness, emptiness

Examples of usage

  • The desolation of the Arctic tundra is both beautiful and haunting.
  • The desert's desolation stretched out before them, endless and unforgiving.

Translations

Translations of the word "desolation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desolação

🇮🇳 उजाड़पन

🇩🇪 Verwüstung

🇮🇩 kehancuran

🇺🇦 спустошення

🇵🇱 spustoszenie

🇯🇵 荒廃 (こうはい)

🇫🇷 désolation

🇪🇸 desolación

🇹🇷 ıssızlık

🇰🇷 황폐

🇸🇦 خراب

🇨🇿 zpustošení

🇸🇰 pustošenie

🇨🇳 荒凉 (huāngliáng)

🇸🇮 opustošenje

🇮🇸 eyðilegging

🇰🇿 жойылу

🇬🇪 განადგურება

🇦🇿 viranlıq

🇲🇽 desolación

Word origin

The word 'desolation' originated from the Latin word 'desolare', which means 'to forsake' or 'to abandon'. Over time, it evolved to describe the feeling of emptiness, devastation, and loneliness. The concept of desolation has been explored in various literary works, highlighting the emotional and environmental aspects of desolation. The word carries a sense of melancholy and despondency, capturing the profound impact of emptiness and devastation on individuals and landscapes.

See also: desolately.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,219, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.