Despaired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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despaired
[dɪˈspɛrd ]
Definition
emotional state
Despaired means to lose hope or be in a state of hopelessness. It is often used to describe a situation where an individual feels that their circumstances have become too dire or insurmountable. People who despair may feel overwhelmed by their problems and believe that there is no solution to their difficulties. This emotional state can lead to a sense of helplessness and can have profound effects on one's mental health and overall well-being.
Synonyms
dejected, despondent, forlorn, lost hope.
Examples of usage
- She despaired over the loss of her job.
- He despaired when he saw the damage to his home.
- They despaired of ever finding the missing child.
- Despite many attempts, she despaired of getting a promotion.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling despair can lead to a state of depression if it persists over time.
- Psychologists suggest that despair can be a natural response to trauma or loss, signaling a need for support.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often helps individuals restructure negative thoughts that can lead to feelings of despair.
Literature
- In literature, characters that feel despair often undergo significant transformations or realizations about their lives.
- Classic texts, like Shakespeare's plays, frequently explore themes of despair and redemption.
- The Romantic poets often expressed deep feelings of despair as a reflection of human experience and emotions.
Art
- Many great paintings depict themes of despair, conveying deep emotional responses through color and composition.
- The expressionist movement emphasized despair and inner turmoil in art, showcasing human struggles.
- Famous pieces like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' visually articulate feelings of despair and anxiety.
Pop Culture
- Despair is a common theme in films, often used to enhance dramatic tension or character development.
- Music genres like blues and metal frequently discuss themes of despair, resonating with those experiencing sorrow.
- Popular characters in movies and books often face despair before finding hope, teaching resilience.
Origin of 'despaired'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'desespoir,' meaning to lose hope.
- It combines 'de-' (a prefix meaning 'away from') and 'espoir' (hope).
- The term has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe a loss of hope.
The word 'despair' originates from the Latin term 'desperare', which means 'to lose hope' or 'to be without hope'. This Latin verb is a combination of 'de-', meaning 'down or away', and 'sperare', meaning 'to hope'. The word has traversed through the Old French 'desesperer' before entering the English language in the late Middle Ages. The concept of despair has been historically significant, as it reflects a profound emotional state often depicted in literature and art. Over the centuries, it has been associated with various philosophical and psychological explorations of human emotion, particularly in the context of suffering and existential crises. The evolution of this term highlights the enduring human struggle with hope and hopelessness, making it a powerful word in both everyday language and deep existential discussions.