Despondent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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despondent
[dษชหspษndษnt ]
Definitions
feeling
in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
Synonyms
dejected, discouraged, downcast.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| despondent |
When someone feels extremely hopeless and believes that their situation will not improve.
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| dejected |
When someone is feeling sad and dispirited, usually because of disappointment or failure.
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| discouraged |
When someone loses confidence or enthusiasm, often as a result of repeated failure or difficulty.
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| downcast |
When someone appears visibly sad or unhappy, often with their eyes looking down.
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Examples of usage
- She was despondent after failing the exam.
- He became despondent when his business went bankrupt.
appearance
showing or feeling despondency
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| despondent |
Used to describe someone who is in low spirits due to loss of hope or courage, often after a failure or disappointment.
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| dismal |
Typically used to describe a situation, event, or atmosphere that is drearily depressing or bleak.
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| gloomy |
Refers to environments or moods that are dark, dim, or lacking brightness, often creating a feeling of sadness or pessimism.
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| melancholy |
Describes a deep, pensive, and often reflective sadness, sometimes mixed with a sense of resignation or nostalgia.
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Examples of usage
- His despondent expression worried his friends.
- She had a despondent look on her face.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors have used despondency to express the struggles of their characters, such as in classic novels where characters face great challenges.
- Famous works like Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' showcase characters wrestling with despair and despondency.
Psychology
- Feeling despondent can be linked to conditions like depression, where individuals may experience long-lasting sadness.
- Research shows that talking about feelings of despondency can help individuals process their emotions and begin to feel better.
Pop Culture
- In movies and songs, characters often feel despondent after a great loss, which helps convey the depth of their sadness to the audience.
- Songs like 'Creep' by Radiohead express feelings of despondency, resonating with many listeners who feel alone.
Social Aspects
- Communities can sometimes become despondent during tough times, like economic downturns, affecting everyone's mood.
- Support groups can help reduce feelings of despondency by connecting individuals who share similar struggles.
Origin of 'despondent'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'despondere', which means 'to give up or lose hope'.
- The French word 'despondant' is also connected, reflecting similar feelings of despair.
The word 'despondent' originated from the Latin word 'despondere', which means 'to lose hope'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of feeling despondent has been present throughout history, as humans have always experienced moments of despair and hopelessness.