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Despairingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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despairingly

 

[ dɪˈspɛrɪŋli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

emotional state

Despairingly is an adverb that describes an action done in a state of despair or hopelessness. It expresses an intense feeling of being overwhelmed by sadness or loss, making one feel as if there is no way out of a difficult situation. This term often conveys a sense of giving up or surrendering to negative emotions. In literature and everyday speech, it emphasizes the depth of one’s emotional struggles.

Synonyms

despondently, forlornly, hopelessly, miserably

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him despairingly after hearing the news.
  • He sighed despairingly, realizing he had failed.
  • They spoke despairingly about their future prospects.

Translations

Translations of the word "despairingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desesperadamente

🇮🇳 निराशाजनक रूप से

🇩🇪 verzweifelt

🇮🇩 dengan putus asa

🇺🇦 відчайдушно

🇵🇱 rozpaczą

🇯🇵 絶望的に (zetsubō-teki ni)

🇫🇷 désespérément

🇪🇸 desesperadamente

🇹🇷 umutsuzca

🇰🇷 절망적으로 (jeolmangjeogeuro)

🇸🇦 بيأس (bi'ays)

🇨🇿 zoufalě

🇸🇰 zúfalo

🇨🇳 绝望地 (juéwàng de)

🇸🇮 obupano

🇮🇸 örvænt

🇰🇿 шабаланып

🇬🇪 უსახსოვროდ (usakhsovro)

🇦🇿 ümidsiz bir şəkildə

🇲🇽 desesperadamente

Etymology

The word 'despairingly' is derived from the verb 'despair', which originates from the Old French word 'desespoir' and the Latin 'desperare', meaning 'to lose hope'. The prefix 'de-' implies negation or reversal, while 'sperare' translates to 'to hope'. Thus, 'despair' literally means 'to lose hope'. The adverbial form 'despairingly' was formed in English by combining 'despair' with the suffix '-ingly', used to indicate a manner of action. It has evolved through the centuries to express not only personal feelings of hopelessness but also broader existential themes in literature and discussions of mental health. The emotional weight of 'despairingly' has remained significant, often highlighting the theme of struggle against overwhelming odds or deep personal crises.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,258 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.