Desolation: meaning, definitions and examples

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desolation

[ˌdɛs.əˈleɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desolation	This word is often used to describe a place or a feeling that is completely empty or abandoned, creating a strong sense of doom and abandonment. The abandoned village was a picture of desolation. After the wildfire, the forest was plunged into desolation.
devastation	This word usually refers to extreme destruction or ruin, often in physical terms, but can also describe significant emotional trauma. The hurricane left a trail of devastation in its wake. The news of their defeat brought a sense of devastation to the team.
despair	This word is best suited when describing a feeling of complete hopelessness and loss. It carries a strong, emotional weight. She fell into deep despair after losing her job. His eyes were filled with despair as he watched his dreams shatter.
loneliness	This word describes the feeling of being alone and isolated, often carrying a sad or melancholic tone. She struggled with loneliness after moving to a new city. Despite being surrounded by people, he couldn't escape the loneliness he felt.
emptiness	Use this word to describe something lacking substance or fullness, either physically or emotionally. It's often associated with a void or hollowness. The emptiness of the room was unsettling. He couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness after the breakup.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
desolation	Desolation describes a state of complete emptiness or destruction, often expressing strong emotional distress or loneliness. It implies a harsh, almost hopeless environment. After the hurricane, the village was left in a state of desolation. He felt a deep sense of desolation after losing his job.
barrenness	Barrenness refers to an inability to produce anything, whether it be crops, vegetation, or offspring. It is often used to describe land that cannot grow plants or people who cannot have children. The barrenness of the desert made it impossible to grow any crops. The couple struggled with the emotional impact of barrenness.
emptiness	Emptiness refers to the state of being empty or void, either physically or emotionally. It can be used to describe both literal and figurative surfaces or feelings. The emptiness of the room amplified the sound of footsteps. She felt a profound sense of emptiness after her children moved out.
bleakness	Bleakness is used to describe something that is dreary, gloomy, and without hope. It often refers to the weather, landscape, or situations that seem devoid of comfort or cheer. The bleakness of the winter landscape matched his mood. The future looked bleak after the company's bankruptcy.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

This term comes from the Latin word 'desolatio' meaning 'to abandon' or 'to make lonely.'
The prefix 'de-' indicates a reversal or removal, while 'solation' relates to being alone or solitary.
Over time, 'desolation' evolved into English during medieval times, emphasizing the feeling of emptiness.

Literature

In literature, settings described as desolate often evoke feelings of isolation and despair, such as the wastelands found in post-apocalyptic novels.
Famous poets like T.S. Eliot have used desolation to express emotional states in their writings, portraying stark landscapes as reflections of inner turmoil.
The concept frequently appears in religious texts, often symbolizing spiritual emptiness or abandonment.

Psychology

Experiencing desolation can be associated with feelings of deep sadness or depression, often reflecting a person's internal struggles.
Psychologically, places described as desolate may trigger nostalgia or longing for companionship and connection.
Therapeutic approaches often address feelings of desolation, encouraging individuals to find connection and meaning in their lives.

Environmental Science

Desolated areas can result from natural disasters, such as wildfires or hurricanes, which lead to significant loss of biodiversity.
Urban desolation often refers to abandoned buildings or neighborhoods, raising discussions on revitalization and community support.
Ecologists study the effects of desolation on ecosystems, focusing on how life reemerges after disturbances.

Pop Culture

The theme of desolation appears in many films and games, portraying characters navigating through abandoned societies or landscapes.
In music, songs often reflect feelings of desolation, using imagery of empty spaces to convey heartbreak or loss.
Iconic artworks sometimes depict desolate scenes to comment on the human condition, exploring themes of solitude and existentialism.

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 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.

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13216 projectile
13217 consignee
13218 minutely
13219 desolation
13220 preparedness
13221 mandible
13222 polity
...