Desperately: meaning, definitions and examples
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desperately
[ˈdɛsp(ə)rətli ]
Definitions
feeling
In a way that shows a great desire or need for something. In a way that is very serious or dangerous. In a way that is done without hope of succeeding.
Synonyms
frantically, hopelessly, seriously, urgently.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desperately |
When someone is in a state of great need or extreme anxiety, often accompanied by a sense of urgency or panic.
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| urgently |
Appropriate for situations that require immediate action or attention, often with a sense of pressing importance.
|
| frantically |
Used when someone is acting in a hurried, excited, and chaotic manner, often because of a sense of panic or urgency.
|
| hopelessly |
Applied in situations where someone feels there is no chance of success or improvement. This word often carries a negative connotation.
|
| seriously |
Best used when discussing something important that requires careful thought, attention, or concern.
|
Examples of usage
- She was desperately searching for her lost keys.
- He desperately needed a job to pay the bills.
- The situation was desperately out of control.
emotions
In a way that is very sad and without hope. In a way that shows extreme despair or distress.
Synonyms
distraughtly, mournfully, sadly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desperately |
Used when someone is in a situation of extreme need or urgency, often conveying a sense of hopelessness.
|
| sadly |
Generally used to express a mild to moderate level of sadness or regret.
|
| mournfully |
Used to describe a feeling or expression of deep sadness, often due to a loss or bereavement.
|
| distraughtly |
Used when someone is extremely upset or agitated, often to the point of having trouble thinking or acting normally.
|
Examples of usage
- She cried desperately when she heard the bad news.
- He looked desperately at his failing business.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'desperatus', meaning 'given up hope', showing a deep sense of hopelessness.
- It evolved through Old French before appearing in English, highlighting a loss of hope over time.
- Originally linked to the state of losing hope, it described a person's emotional state.
Psychology
- Feeling desperate can result from stress or serious life changes, affecting how a person thinks and acts.
- Cognitive theories suggest that desperation can skew a person's perception, making them focus only on their immediate needs.
- This emotion can lead to impulsive decisions, often clouding judgement in tough situations.
Literature
- Desperation is a common theme in classic literature, illustrating characters in dire situations, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
- Many authors use the state of feeling desperate as a turning point in a character's journey, leading to growth or downfall.
- In contemporary novels, characters often face desperate choices that reveal their true morals and resilience.
Pop Culture
- The term has been popularized through songs and movies, often representing a longing or a plea for help.
- In reality TV shows, contestants often express they are playing 'desperately' to win, adding drama to their narratives.
- Popular songs titled 'Desperately' explore themes of love and loss, resonating with audiences on emotional levels.
Science
- In biology, organisms may exhibit desperate behaviors when seeking resources like food or mates, often leading to intense competition.
- Studies show that high stress levels can trigger desperate actions in both animals and humans, highlighting survival instincts.
- The ‘fight-or-flight’ response often seen in desperate situations is tied to evolutionary traits, ensuring survival.
Translations
Translations of the word "desperately" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desesperadamente
🇮🇳 निराशाजनक रूप से
🇩🇪 verzweifelt
🇮🇩 dengan putus asa
🇺🇦 відчайдушно
🇵🇱 desperacko
🇯🇵 必死に (ひっしに)
🇫🇷 désespérément
🇪🇸 desesperadamente
🇹🇷 umutsuzca
🇰🇷 절박하게
🇸🇦 بشدة
🇨🇿 zoufale
🇸🇰 zúfalo
🇨🇳 拼命地 (pīn mìng de)
🇸🇮 obupano
🇮🇸 örvæntingarfullt
🇰🇿 үмітсіздікпен
🇬🇪 სასოწარკვეთილად (sasocarqvetilad)
🇦🇿 ümidsizcə
🇲🇽 desesperadamente