Desperate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desperate
[หdษsp(ษ)rษt ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling or showing a hopeless sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with.
Synonyms
despairing, distressed, hopeless.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desperate |
When someone is in an extremely difficult situation and willing to do anything to change it. It often implies a sense of urgency and lack of options.
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| hopeless |
When someone believes there is no possibility of improvement or success. This term is often used when someone feels completely without hope.
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| despairing |
When someone feels a deep sense of loss or hopelessness, often after repeated failures or setbacks. It generally connotes a state of sorrow.
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| distressed |
When someone is experiencing severe anxiety, sorrow, or pain. This word can apply to both emotional and physical states.
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Examples of usage
- She was desperate to find a solution to her financial problems.
- The family made a desperate plea for help.
urgent
Reckless or dangerous because of despair or urgency.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He made a desperate attempt to save the drowning child.
- The situation called for desperate measures.
needing or wanting something very much
Having a great need or desire for something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desperate |
This word is often used when someone is in a very difficult or hopeless situation. It can also imply a sense of urgency or extreme need.
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| eager |
Use this word when someone is very interested or excited to do something. It implies a positive anticipation.
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| keen |
Use this word when someone shows a strong interest or enthusiasm in something. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| impatient |
This word describes someone who is unwilling to wait or easily annoyed by delays. It often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She was desperate for affection.
- He was desperate for a job.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Desperation can lead individuals to make irrational decisions or take extreme actions they would not usually consider.
- Feeling desperate may trigger stress responses, affecting both mental and physical health.
- Studies show that when under extreme stress, desperation can cloud oneโs judgment and lead to risky behaviors.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often act desperately when faced with impossible choices or dilemmas.
- Literature often explores themes of desperation to highlight character development and moral conflicts.
- Famous novels, like Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment,' feature protagonists plunged into desperation leading to transformative journeys.
Pop Culture
- The television show 'Desperate Housewives' portrays the lives of suburban women facing desperate situations, combining drama and humor.
- Songs about feeling desperate often resonate with listeners, reflecting raw emotions and life struggles.
- The term often appears in movie titles or plots where characters face dramatic turning points, showcasing their resilience.
Sociology
- Desperation can arise in communities facing poverty or crisis, affecting social structures and relationships.
- Research indicates that socio-economic factors play a significant role in feelings of desperation among demographic groups.
- Collective desperation, such as during natural disasters, often leads to community bonding but can also foster conflict over resources.
Origin of 'desperate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'desperate' comes from the Latin 'desperatus', which means 'to lose hope'.
- In English, it has been used since the late 14th century, often to describe a fearful or hopeless state.
- The prefix 'de-' indicates 'down from', while 'sperare' relates to hope, making the original meaning 'down from hope'.
The word 'desperate' originated from the Latin word 'desperatus', which means 'given up'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey a sense of extreme need or urgency. The modern usage of 'desperate' reflects a strong emotional state of hopelessness or urgency, often associated with a compelling desire or need for something.
See also: despair, despairing.