Disillusioned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disillusioned

[ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒənd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

disappointed and unhappy because someone has made you realize that something is not as good as you believed it to be

Synonyms

disappointed, disenchanted, dismayed, let down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disillusioned	Use this word when someone has realized that something they believed in is not as good or true as they once thought. She became disillusioned with politics after years of seeing no real change. He was disillusioned by the corporate world after discovering the unethical practices.
disappointed	This word is suitable when someone feels sadness or displeasure because their expectations were not met. She was disappointed when her friend canceled their plans at the last minute. He felt disappointed after not getting the promotion he worked hard for.
let down	This phrase is appropriate when someone feels disappointed because they were not supported or something did not happen as they were told it would. She felt let down when her friends didn't show up for her birthday party. He promised to help but let me down at the last minute.
dismayed	This word is useful when someone feels shocked and distressed, often due to an unexpected event. She was dismayed to find out that her flight was canceled. He felt dismayed by the news of the natural disaster.
disenchanted	Use this word when someone has lost their admiration or enjoyment for something or someone they once believed in. Many fans became disenchanted with the artist after the scandal. He became disenchanted with the job due to long hours and low pay.

Examples of usage

I was disillusioned by the reality of the situation.
She felt disillusioned with the company after the scandal.
He became disillusioned with politics after the corruption he witnessed.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling disillusioned can trigger a realization phase in personal growth, often leading to deeper self-awareness.
It is linked to the psychological concept of 'cognitive dissonance,' where conflicting beliefs cause discomfort.
Research shows that disillusionment can lead to increased resilience as individuals learn to cope with reality.

Literature

Various literary works, especially from the 20th century, explore disillusionment, particularly in response to war and societal change.
Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald used characters' disillusionment to reflect the moral failings of American society in the 1920s.
The theme of disillusionment often signifies the end of innocence, reshaping characters’ identities and futures.

Pop Culture

Disillusionment is a prevalent theme in films like 'American Beauty,' where characters confront unfulfilled dreams.
In music, songs about disillusionment often resonate with listeners, highlighting feelings of betrayal and loss, as seen in many rock anthems.
Television shows often create characters who become disillusioned with societal norms, leading to significant plot developments.

Sociology

Disillusionment can impact social movements, where initial enthusiasm wanes, leading to shifts in activism strategies.
In modern society, factors like social media can contribute to widespread disillusionment among younger generations regarding authenticity and reality.
The phenomenon is often discussed in relation to political disenchantment, where citizens lose faith in leaders and systems.

Origin of 'disillusioned'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning to reverse, and 'illusion', which refers to a deceptive appearance.
It first appeared in English writings in the early 19th century, often used in literary contexts to express a loss of faith.
The transition from a positive view to a negative one is central to its meaning, emphasizing a shift in perception.

The word 'disillusioned' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'opposite of' and 'illusion' meaning 'a false belief or idea'. It reflects the idea of having one's illusions shattered or dispelled, leading to a sense of disappointment or unhappiness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,248, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18245 baroque
18246 symmetrically
18247 smitten
18248 disillusioned
18249 plaint
18250 grad
18251 unaccountable
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