Despondence: meaning, definitions and examples
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despondence
[ dɪsˈpɒndəns ]
state of mind
Despondence refers to a state of being despondent, characterized by a feeling of loss of hope or confidence. It often accompanies a sense of sadness or discouragement, where an individual may feel overwhelmed by negative emotions. This state can arise from various circumstances such as personal failures, loss, or the perception of futility in one's efforts. Despondence can affect a person's ability to function in daily life, leading to withdrawal from social interactions and motivation.
Synonyms
dejection, discouragement, disheartenment, melancholy
Examples of usage
- After losing his job, he fell into deep despondence.
- Her despondence was evident after the breakup.
- The team's despondence was palpable after their crushing defeat.
Translations
Translations of the word "despondence" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despondência
🇮🇳 निराशा
🇩🇪 Niedergeschlagenheit
🇮🇩 keputusasaan
🇺🇦 відчай
🇵🇱 rozpacz
🇯🇵 失望 (shitsubō)
🇫🇷 désespoir
🇪🇸 desesperación
🇹🇷 umutsuzluk
🇰🇷 절망 (jeolmang)
🇸🇦 يأس (ya's)
🇨🇿 beznaděj
🇸🇰 bezúhonnosť
🇨🇳 绝望 (juéwàng)
🇸🇮 obup
🇮🇸 vonleysi
🇰🇿 ұят
🇬🇪 უიმედობა (uimedoba)
🇦🇿 ümidsizlik
🇲🇽 desesperación
Etymology
The word 'despondence' originates from the Latin verb 'despondere', which means 'to give up' or 'to pledge away'. This Latin term is composed of the prefix 'de-' indicating negation or downwards movement, and 'spondere', meaning 'to promise' or 'to pledge'. As the word evolved into the Middle English 'despondenz', it began to convey a sense of despair and loss of hope. Over time, it has come to denote a more general feeling of gloom and hopelessness that can impact an individual's emotional state. The usage of 'despondence' has been consistent in literature to describe characters experiencing profound sadness and despair, illustrating the depth of human emotion in times of hardship.