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Helplessly: meaning, definitions and examples

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helplessly

 

[ˈhɛlpləsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

feeling or showing no hope

Feeling or showing no hope, unable to deal with a difficult situation, or not knowing what to do. It is often associated with a sense of powerlessness or despair.

Synonyms

desperately, hopelessly, powerlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
helplessly

Use this word when someone is unable to do anything to change a situation. It often implies a lack of control or ability to act.

  • She watched helplessly as the car slid off the road.
  • He stood by helplessly while the argument escalated.
hopelessly

Use this word when a situation seems completely without any chance of success or improvement. It often conveys a sense of complete despair.

  • They were hopelessly lost in the forest.
  • He felt hopelessly in love with her despite knowing she didn't feel the same.
powerlessly

This word is used to describe a situation where someone has no power or control over what's happening. It often implies an inability to influence events.

  • She realized powerlessly that there was nothing she could do to stop the flood.
  • He watched powerlessly as his team lost the match.
desperately

This word is used when someone is in a situation of immediate need or distress and is willing to do anything to change or escape the situation. It often conveys a sense of urgency.

  • She desperately tried to find her lost dog.
  • He was desperately searching for a solution to his financial problems.

Examples of usage

  • She looked helplessly at the broken glass on the floor.
  • He stood helplessly by as the fire destroyed his home.
  • The puppy wagged its tail helplessly as it tried to escape from the fence.
  • I felt helplessly lost in the vast desert.
  • The child cried helplessly for his mother.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'helplessly' comes from 'helpless', which combines 'help' with the suffix '-less', meaning 'without'.
  • Its roots in Old English include 'helpan', meaning 'to help' and 'leas', which means 'without'.
  • The use of the word has been traced back to at least the 14th century, often describing a state of powerlessness.

Psychology

  • Feeling helplessly can lead to what psychologists call 'learned helplessness', where a person feels they cannot change their situation due to repeated failures.
  • This state can impact mental health significantly, contributing to anxiety and depression if prolonged.
  • Research has shown that recognizing one's ability to take action can help combat feelings of helplessness.

Literature

  • In various novels, characters often feel helplessly trapped in their circumstances, highlighting human vulnerability.
  • Classic literature often utilizes this feeling to show the depth of a character’s struggles or moral dilemmas.
  • Poetry frequently explores the theme of helplessness, expressing emotions that resonate with many readers.

Social Context

  • In many social movements, individuals may initially feel helplessly small against larger powers, but collective action can create significant change.
  • Helplessness can also be used in art to evoke empathy, encouraging people to see the plight of others.
  • Language surrounding helplessness in social media often promotes awareness and support for those in need.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows sometimes depict characters who feel helplessly overwhelmed, showcasing emotional struggles that many can relate to.
  • Songs that convey feelings of helplessness often resonate deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of feeling lost.
  • The term is sometimes used in comedy to highlight absurd situations that leave characters without options.

Translations

Translations of the word "helplessly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desamparadamente

🇮🇳 बेसहारा

🇩🇪 hilflos

🇮🇩 tak berdaya

🇺🇦 безпорадно

🇵🇱 bezradnie

🇯🇵 無力に

🇫🇷 désespérément

🇪🇸 desamparadamente

🇹🇷 çaresizce

🇰🇷 무력하게

🇸🇦 بلا حول ولا قوة

🇨🇿 bezmocně

🇸🇰 bezmocne

🇨🇳 无助地

🇸🇮 nebogljeno

🇮🇸 hjálparvana

🇰🇿 дәрменсіз

🇬🇪 უსუსურად

🇦🇿 köməksiz

🇲🇽 desamparadamente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,752, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.