Crestfallen Meaning and Definition
Crestfallen
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɛstfæln/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Lacking joy or enthusiasm; having a sense of disappointment or despair.
Examples
- After the party, she looked crestfallen, feeling disappointed and neglected.
- He felt crestfallen when his team lost the championship game.
- After the breakup, she was left feeling crestfallen and heartbroken.
- Her crestfallen expression said it all – she had lost her favorite childhood park.
- After the devastating news, the family was left crestfallen and in shock.
- He couldn’t help but look crestfallen when his child rejected his gift.
Synonyms
- Crushed
- Disheartened
- Discouraged
Antonyms
- Elated
- Ecstatic
- Thrilled
Additional Information
A crestfallen person often exhibits a visibly downcast expression, reluctance to engage in activities, and a sense of detachment. This emotional state can be a result of a range of factors, including disappointment, rejection, or failure. Crestfallen individuals may struggle to muster the motivation to participate in activities they once enjoyed or feel a sense of apathy towards their surroundings.
Crestfallen emotions can be particularly overwhelming when accompanied by feelings of hopelessness or despair, making it essential to address the root cause of the emotional pain and seek support from loved ones or professional help.
Etymology
The word “Crestfallen” originates from the 15th century, derived from the Old English words “crist” meaning “crest” and “fallen” meaning “cast down”. Initially, the term described a person whose crest or plume had fallen or been cast down, thus implying a loss of rank or prestige.
Usage Notes
When using the word “Crestfallen”, it’s essential to consider the context in which it’s being applied. In everyday conversation, it’s often used to describe a person’s emotional state, such as feeling disappointed, sad, or despondent.
Cultural References
In literature, the term “Crestfallen” has been used to describe characters’ emotional states in works such as “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Idiomatic expressions like “fallen to pieces” and “devastated” are commonly used to convey a sense of disappointment or despair, often used in conjunction with the word “Crestfallen”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Deflated
- Disheartened
- Discouraged
- Crushed
Collocations
- Crestfallen face, crestfallen expression
- Words fail me, crestfallen
Frequency of Use
The word “Crestfallen” is not as commonly used as other words describing emotional states, but it is still widely recognized and used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Crsthfallen
- Crestfalen