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Disenchantment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disenchantment

[หŒdษชsษชnหˆสงษ‘หntmษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fantasy TV series

A feeling of disappointment or disillusionment with the reality after being exposed to a fantasy world or idealistic expectations. It involves a sense of loss of innocence and a recognition of the harshness of the real world.

Synonyms

disappointment, discontent, disillusionment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disenchantment

Disenchantment is used when someone loses their naive positive expectations or realizes the harsh reality of a situation they once idealized.

  • After working in the corporate world for a year, John's disenchantment with the industry's ethical standards became apparent.
  • There was a growing disenchantment among the voters with the political promises that remained unfulfilled.
disillusionment

Disillusionment is used when someone is freed from an illusion, often leading to disappointment and a more negative view of reality.

  • The public's disillusionment with the government's integrity led to widespread protests.
  • He spoke about his disillusionment with the glamorous life of fame, revealing it to be empty and isolating.
disappointment

Disappointment is used when someone feels sad or unsatisfied because something did not meet their expectations or hopes.

  • She felt a deep sense of disappointment when her favorite team lost the final match.
  • Despite his hard work, he couldn't hide his disappointment when he didn't get the promotion.
discontent

Discontent is used to describe a general feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation, often leading to the desire for change.

  • The workers expressed their discontent with the new company policies.
  • There was discontent among the students about the quality of the cafeteria food.

Examples of usage

  • She experienced disenchantment after realizing that life was not a fairytale.
  • His disenchantment with politics grew as he learned more about corruption and greed.
  • The novel explores the theme of disenchantment with the modern world.
  • The character's disenchantment with love was evident in his cynical attitude.
  • After the initial excitement wore off, she felt a sense of disenchantment with her new job.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing disenchantment can lead to a deeper understanding of reality, often prompting personal growth and resilience.
  • It's linked to the process of maturation, where individuals learn that not all experiences live up to their expectations.

Culture

  • This concept appears frequently in modern narratives, suggesting that as societies evolve, perceptions of joy and wonder can diminish.
  • Films and literature often explore themes of disenchantment, portraying protagonists who confront the stark difference between dreams and harsh realities.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Max Weber discuss disenchantment in the context of modernity, suggesting that as society becomes more rational, it loses its mystical dimensions.
  • Many thinkers argue that disenchantment reflects a shift from a magical understanding of the world to one grounded in logic and science.

Art

  • Artists often depict disenchantment as a source of conflict, portraying the struggle between idealism and the harshness of reality.
  • In literature, disenchantment is a common theme, symbolizing the loss of innocence or the end of an idealistic belief.

Origin of 'disenchantment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from combining 'dis-', meaning to remove, and 'enchantment', which originally referred to the act of putting someone under a magic spell.
  • Originally used in the context of fairy tales, where characters face the reality behind magical illusions.

The word 'disenchantment' originated from the Old French word 'desenchanter', which means 'to free from enchantment'. The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the feeling of disappointment or disillusionment. It gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries as societies became more industrialized and people started to question traditional beliefs and ideals. Today, disenchantment is a common theme in literature, art, and philosophy, reflecting the complexities of the modern world.

See also: disenchant, enchanted, enchanter, enchanting, enchantingly, enchantment, enchantments, enchantress.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,645, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.