Disillusionment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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disillusionment
[หdษชs.ษชหluห.สษn.mษnt ]
Definition
feeling of disappointment
Disillusionment is the feeling of disappointment that often follows the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be. It is the loss of faith or trust in something or someone.
Synonyms
disappointment, disenchantment, letdown.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disillusionment |
Use this word when someone realizes that something or someone is not as good as they thought. It often involves a loss of beliefs or ideals.
|
| disappointment |
This word is suitable when someone feels sad or let down because things didn't turn out as they hoped or expected.
|
| disenchantment |
This word fits when someone loses their admiration or enthusiasm for something or someone, often after a period of idealization.
|
| letdown |
This term is more casual and is used for situations where someone feels disappointed because something was not as good as expected.
|
Examples of usage
- I experienced a deep sense of disillusionment when I realized that my idol was not the person I thought they were.
- After the scandal, many people felt a sense of disillusionment with the government.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Disillusionment can be a part of personal growth, leading to greater resilience as individuals navigate their beliefs.
- Coping with disillusionment often involves processing emotions, which can ultimately lead to a more realistic worldview.
- It's linked to feelings of betrayal, especially when personal expectations are unmet by institutions or people.
- In psychological studies, those who experience disillusionment often report a clearer understanding of their values afterward.
Literature
- Many classic novels, like 'The Great Gatsby' or '1984', explore themes of disillusionment as characters confront harsh truths.
- Disillusionment is often a turning point in literature, marking the moment a character loses faith in their ideals or dreams.
- Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Orwell illustrated disillusionment extensively, reflecting societal changes in their respective eras.
Pop Culture
- Disillusionment is a theme in many songs, especially in rock and pop, as artists express their loss of faith in love, society, or dreams.
- Movies like 'Fight Club' and 'The Matrix' depict characters grappling with disillusionment and the search for deeper meaning.
- Popular culture often portrays the moment of disillusionment as cathartic, leading protagonists to reclaim their identity.
History
- The term gained prominence after significant historical events, such as World War I, when many faced the harsh realities of war versus heroic ideals.
- Social movements have often had to deal with disillusionment when early hopes for change did not manifest as expected.
- In the context of politics, disillusionment has been a powerful driver behind shifts in public sentiment and revolution.
Origin of 'disillusionment'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning to undo, and 'illusion', which refers to something that deceives or misrepresents reality.
- First recorded use of the term dates back to the early 19th century, reflecting a growing awareness of the gap between idealism and reality.
- The concept evolved in literature and philosophy, often associated with the loss of naivety.
The word 'disillusionment' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'dis-' (indicating reversal) and 'illusion'. It reflects the idea of having one's illusions or false beliefs shattered, leading to a state of disappointment or disenchantment.
See also: disillusion, illusional, illusionist, illusions, illusory.