Despondent Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪˈspɒndənt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Despondent refers to a feeling of deep sadness, hopelessness, or despair, often characterized by a lack of enthusiasm or energy.

Examples

1. “After losing her job, she felt despondent and struggled to find the motivation to apply for new positions.”

2. “The team was despondent after their crushing defeat in the championship game.”

Synonyms

1. Depressed

2. Despairing

3. Hopeless

Antonyms

1. Elated

2. Euphoric

3. Optimistic

Additional Information

Despondent is a word that describes a state of mind characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. It can be a temporary or chronic condition, and it may be triggered by various factors such as personal losses, failures, or traumatic events. Despondency can manifest in different ways, including a lack of enthusiasm, energy, or motivation, as well as physical symptoms like changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

In literature and poetry, despondent is often used to describe the emotional state of characters who are struggling with inner turmoil or facing difficult circumstances. For example, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character’s famous soliloquy “To be or not to be” is a classic expression of despondency, as he grapples with the meaning of life and death.

In everyday life, despondency can be a common experience, especially during times of stress, uncertainty, or change. It’s essential to recognize the signs of despondency and seek support from loved ones, mental health professionals, or support groups to cope with these feelings and find ways to manage and overcome them.

Etymology

The word “despondent” comes from the Latin “despondere,” which means “to give up” or “to surrender.” It entered the English language in the 15th century and has been used to describe a state of mind characterized by feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Usage Notes

Despondent is often used to describe a person’s emotional state, but it can also be used to describe a situation or circumstance that is causing feelings of hopelessness or despair. For example, “The despondent state of the economy has led to widespread unemployment and poverty.”

Cultural References

Despondent has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, the protagonist Esther Greenwood struggles with despondency and depression throughout the story.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Feeling despondent” – This phrase is often used to describe a person’s emotional state, especially when they are feeling hopeless or despairing.

2. “Despondent mood” – This phrase is used to describe a situation or atmosphere that is characterized by feelings of hopelessness or despair.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Melancholy

2. Despair

3. Hopelessness

Collocations

1. “Despondent mood” – This phrase is often used to describe a situation or atmosphere that is characterized by feelings of hopelessness or despair.

2. “Feeling despondent” – This phrase is often used to describe a person’s emotional state, especially when they are feeling hopeless or despairing.

Frequency of Use

Despondent is a moderately common word in modern language, especially in literary and poetic contexts. However, it is not as commonly used in everyday conversation as other words that describe similar emotional states, such as “depressed” or “sad.”

Common Misspellings

1. Despondant

2. Despondentcy

3. Despondency