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Forlorn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forlorn

[fษ™หˆlษ”หrn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely

Synonyms

abandoned, desolate, lonely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forlorn

This word is often used to describe a sense of deep sadness and hopelessness, typically because someone feels alone or neglected.

  • She felt forlorn after her friends moved away.
desolate

This word is used to describe a place that is empty, barren, and devoid of life or activity. It can also describe a person who feels extremely sad and lonely.

  • The desert was a desolate expanse of sand and rock.
  • After the loss of his wife, he felt completely desolate.
lonely

This word describes someone who feels sadness because they are alone or have few friends or companions. It is a more general and less intense term than 'forlorn'.

  • He felt lonely in the new city, far from his family.
abandoned

This word describes something or someone that has been left behind or deserted. It can be used for places, objects, or even people, and often carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The abandoned house stood in the middle of the field.

Examples of usage

  • a forlorn figure standing in the rain
  • she gave him a forlorn look
Context #2 | Adjective

hopeless

unlikely to succeed or be fulfilled; hopeless

Synonyms

desperate, doomed, futile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forlorn

(Note: Duplication) As above, used to describe someone who appears lonely, abandoned, or in a state of hopelessness.

  • She looked forlorn sitting alone on the bench, her dreams shattered.
  • The forlorn puppy wandered the streets in search of its owner.
futile

Used when an effort or action is pointless and has no chance of succeeding.

  • It was a futile attempt to fix the old car; it was beyond repair.
  • Their cries for help were futile; no one could hear them in the storm.
desperate

Used when someone is in great need or urgency, often acting in extreme ways due to lack of options.

  • He made a desperate attempt to save his sinking boat.
  • The refugees were desperate for food and water.
doomed

Implies an inevitable and often tragic outcome, used when failure or disaster seems certain.

  • The mission was doomed from the start due to poor planning.
  • He felt doomed as he walked into the courtroom.

Examples of usage

  • a forlorn attempt to escape
  • he felt forlorn in the face of adversity

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare often used the term to express despair and sadness in characters, enhancing emotional depth.
  • In Emily Brontรซ's 'Wuthering Heights', the term captures the essence of emotional turmoil and longing.
  • Forlorn characters frequently appear in works exploring themes of isolation, betrayal, and unrequited love.

Psychology

  • Feelings of being forlorn can be linked to depression, highlighting the emotional struggle with loneliness.
  • Research suggests that prolonged feelings of loneliness can negatively impact mental health and overall wellbeing.
  • Experiencing sadness and feelings of loss is a normal part of the human experience, and acknowledging them is crucial for healing.

Pop Culture

  • Forlorn characters are often depicted in films and songs, showcasing themes of unreturned affection or loss.
  • In the song 'Forlorn Hope' by the band Nevermore, the term captures a sense of defeat and desperation.
  • The term has been used in many literary and cinematic contexts, often to evoke sympathy from the audience.

Art

  • Visual art often captures forlorn figures to express themes of solitude and emotional distress.
  • Famous paintings, like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', convey a sense of forlornness through vivid imagery and expressive colors.
  • Forlorn themes can be seen in various artistic movements that explore human emotions, such as Romanticism.

Origin of 'forlorn'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'forloren,' which means 'lost' or 'abandoned.'
  • Related to the verb 'forleosan,' which means 'to lose' or 'to abandon.'
  • The term has evolved over centuries but retains its core meaning of deep sadness.

The word 'forlorn' originated from the Middle English word 'forloren', which means 'lost, abandoned, or solitary'. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'forloren', which is a past participle of 'forlฤ“osan', meaning 'to lose'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage to describe a sense of sadness, hopelessness, or abandonment.

See also: forlornly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,897, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.