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Despondent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Despondent means feeling extreme discouragement, hopelessness, or low spirits, often due to difficult circumstances. It describes a deep sadness that makes someone lose motivation or optimism.

despondent

/dɪˈspɑndənt/ /dɪˈspɒndənt/

Definition:

Feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or hopelessness.

Synonyms:

disheartened, dejected, gloomy, crestfallen

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

hopeful, cheerful

Common Collocations:

feel despondent, become despondent, despondent mood

Derivatives:

despondency, despondently

Usage Tips:

Use "despondent" to describe deep sadness or loss of hope, often due to difficult circumstances.

Common Phrases:

down in the dumps, at one's lowest ebb

Etymology:

From Latin "despondere," meaning "to give up," combining "de-" (away) and "spondere" (to promise).

Examples:

  • 1. She felt despondent after failing the exam.
  • 2. The team grew despondent after their third loss in a row.
  • 3. His despondent expression revealed his inner sadness.
  • 4. The news left her utterly despondent for days.

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