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.
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.