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Mope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mope

[moÊŠp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to sulk

To mope means to be in a state of deep sadness or dejection. It often implies a passive behavior where a person sulks or broods about something that bothers them. This can be a reaction to disappointment, loss, or other negative experiences. When someone mopes, they may withdraw from social interactions and exhibit a lack of enthusiasm or motivation. It is generally considered a less productive way of handling distress compared to confronting the issue.

Synonyms

brood, pout, sulk, wallow, whine.

Examples of usage

  • After the breakup, he just wanted to mope around the house.
  • She tends to mope when things don't go her way.
  • There's no point in moping; let's find a solution!
  • Stop moping and join us for a movie.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Moping can be a reaction to sadness, indicating a need for rest and recovery from emotional stress.
  • Some psychologists believe that indulging in moping may help people process their feelings before moving on.
  • Extended periods of moping could sometimes relate to deeper issues, such as depression, which may require professional help.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in movies often mope when they've faced betrayal or loss, providing a relatable moment for the audience.
  • Songs about heartbreak often portray moping as a central theme, reflecting emotions many listeners understand.
  • Moping is depicted in cartoons where characters sulk, visually representing their sadness in a humorous way.

Literature

  • In classic literature, protagonists often mope after losing loved ones, highlighting their emotional struggles.
  • Poets have used the image of moping as a metaphor for lost love, creating rich imagery of sadness and longing.
  • Contemporary novels sometimes feature 'moping' characters to convey their internal conflicts and growth journeys.

Social Behavior

  • People may mope in groups, reflecting a collective sadness or mood, which can influence social dynamics.
  • Moping in public spaces can signal distress, prompting others to offer support or engage in conversations.
  • Conversely, some cultures view mooping as a way to express vulnerability and connect better with others.

Origin of 'mope'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mope' likely comes from the 17th-century English dialect term 'mope,' meaning to be dull or stupid.
  • Mope also has roots in similar words in Old English that describe being sluggish or slow.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to focus more on emotional states rather than physical slowness.

The word 'mope' is derived from the early 18th century, possibly from the dialectal term mope, which means to mope around or to be in a state of sadness. Its exact origins are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be related to the older forms of English where 'mope' connoted a sluggish or dull demeanor. The evolution of the term in the 19th century solidified its association with feelings of melancholy or dejection. 'Mope' reflects a common human experience, acknowledging that sadness and passive responses to adversity are part of life. The word has found its way into various forms of literature and everyday language, portraying characters that embody a sense of loss or disappointment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,212, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.