Bleak - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Bleak describes something that is gloomy, harsh, or hopeless, often referring to weather, landscapes, or situations. It conveys a sense of emptiness or lack of warmth and comfort.
Definition:
Lacking warmth, life, or hope; cold and desolate.
Synonyms:
Grim, dismal, gloomy, barren
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Bright, cheerful
Common Collocations:
Bleak landscape, bleak outlook, bleak future
Derivatives:
Bleakly, bleakness
Usage Tips:
Use "bleak" to describe harsh or hopeless situations, like weather or prospects.
Common Phrases:
Bleak midwinter, bleak prospects, bleak horizon
Etymology:
Originates from Old Norse "bleikr," meaning pale or shining; later evolved to imply barrenness.
Examples:
- 1. The sky looked bleak before the storm hit.
- 2. His expression turned bleak after hearing the bad news.
- 3. The novel paints a bleak picture of the future.
- 4. Winter in the mountains can feel incredibly bleak.