Dismayed: meaning, definitions and examples
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dismayed
[dɪsˈmeɪd ]
Definitions
feeling
feeling of being worried, disappointed, or upset because of something bad that has happened
Synonyms
discouraged, disheartened, unsettled.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dismayed |
This word is suitable for describing a strong feeling of disappointment or shock when something unexpected happens.
|
| disheartened |
This word is appropriate when expressing a loss of hope or motivation, usually after facing a setback. It has a slightly stronger connotation than 'discouraged'.
|
| discouraged |
Use this word when someone loses confidence or enthusiasm, often because of repeated failures or difficulties.
|
| unsettled |
This word is best used to describe someone who feels anxious, disturbed, or uneasy, often due to uncertainty or changes.
|
Examples of usage
- I was dismayed by the news of the company's bankruptcy.
- She felt dismayed when she realized she had missed the deadline.
- The team was dismayed by their defeat in the final match.
action
to cause someone to feel worried, disappointed, or upset
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dismayed |
Use this word when someone is feeling a mix of disappointment and sadness due to an unexpected event or outcome.
|
| distress |
This word is used when someone is experiencing severe anxiety, pain, or sorrow. It indicates a serious level of mental or emotional suffering.
|
| trouble |
Use this word when describing something that causes worry or concern, often over a situation that seems problematic or challenging.
|
| perturb |
This word is appropriate when something makes someone feel anxious or unsettled. Usually, it is less intense than 'distress'.
|
Examples of usage
- The sudden change in plans dismayed everyone.
- His rude behavior dismayed his colleagues.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'dismayed' comes from the Old English 'dismaian,' meaning to disturb or to frighten.
- It originally described the state of being made disheartened or frightened by something unexpected.
- The prefix 'dis-' in 'dismayed' implies removal or negation, which gives it an additional sense of loss.
Literature
- This word appears frequently in literature, such as in Shakespeare's works, to denote characters experiencing fear or disappointment.
- In modern novels, characters often feel dismayed to showcase emotional depth, especially during plot twists.
- Poets may use 'dismayed' to evoke feelings of despair and helplessness, adding to the emotional weight of their verses.
Psychology
- Feeling dismayed can trigger reactions akin to stress, affecting both mental state and physical health.
- This emotional response can lead to a temporary paralysis in decision-making due to overwhelming feelings of disappointment.
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies often encourage individuals to recognize feelings of dismay and reframe their thinking towards more positive outcomes.
Pop Culture
- Films and TV shows often depict characters as dismayed to highlight pivotal moments of change or loss.
- Musicians express feelings of dismay in their lyrics, resonating with audiences who relate to experiences of sadness.
- In memes, a dismayed expression can portray humor, exaggerating the gap between expectations and reality.
Historical Context
- In historical documents, dismay was often used to describe the emotional state of people during turmoil, such as wars or political changes.
- The Great Depression era saw widespread feelings of dismay, influencing literature and art during that time.
- Historical speeches often address dismay to connect with audiences feeling uncertain or troubled by current events.
Translations
Translations of the word "dismayed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 consternado
🇮🇳 हतप्रभ
🇩🇪 bestürzt
🇮🇩 terkejut
🇺🇦 збентежений
🇵🇱 przerażony
🇯🇵 愕然とした
🇫🇷 consterné
🇪🇸 consternado
🇹🇷 dehşete düşmüş
🇰🇷 당황한
🇸🇦 مذعور
🇨🇿 zděšený
🇸🇰 zhrozený
🇨🇳 惊愕
🇸🇮 osupel
🇮🇸 skelfdur
🇰🇿 абдыраған
🇬🇪 დამაბნეული
🇦🇿 çaşqın
🇲🇽 consternado