The term "desolate" not only conveys physical emptiness but also profound emotional states. It frequently appears in both religious and secular writings to depict abandonment or despair. The word's dual nature, referring both to physical desolation and emotional turmoil, has made it a powerful symbol in literature, art, and philosophy. Modern psychology may also use the term to describe states of deep depression or alienation.
desolate in Bengali বাংলা
desolate in English
- desolate⇄adj. 1. not producing anything; laid waste; devastated; barren.
Ex. desolate land.
(SYN) ravaged.
2. not lived in; deserted.
Ex. a desolate house.
(SYN) uninhabited.
3. unhappy; forlorn; wretched.
Ex. The hun - desolate⇄adv. desolately.
- desolate⇄desolate, adjective, verb, -lated,-lating.
- desolate⇄noun desolateness.
- desolate⇄v.t. 1. to make unfit to live in; lay waste.
Ex. The Vikings desolated the lands they attacked.
(SYN) devastate.
2. to make unhappy or forlorn.
Ex. We are desolated to hear that you are going away.
3. to deprive of inhabi
desolate in Sindhi سنڌي
desolate in Telugu తెలుగు
desolate
Part of Speech
Adjective, Verb
Pronunciation
English (UK): /ˈdɛsələt/ (adjective), /ˈdɛsəleɪt/ (verb)
English (US): /ˈdɛsələt/ (adjective), /ˈdɛsəleɪt/ (verb)
Definitions
- (Adjective) Deserted of people and in a state of bleak emptiness.
- (Adjective) Feeling or showing great unhappiness or loneliness.
- (Verb) To make a place bleak or empty.
- (Verb) To make someone feel utterly wretched and unhappy.
Usage Examples
- The desolate landscape stretched out for miles.
- After the loss, he felt completely desolate.
- War had desolated the once thriving town.
- The news left her desolated.
Etymology
From Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare, meaning "to abandon, leave alone," from de- (completely) + solus (alone).
Synonyms
- Abandoned
- Barren
- Lonely
- Forsaken
- Bleak
Antonyms
- Populated
- Cheerful
- Joyful
- Thriving
Translations
| Language | Translations | Pronunciations |
|---|---|---|
| French | découragé | /dekuʁaʒe/ |
| Spanish | desolado | /desoˈlaðo/ |
| Hindi | उजाड़ | /ujaaṛ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 荒凉 | /huāngliáng/ |
| Arabic | مهجور | /mahjur/ |
| Russian | пустынный | /pustynnyy/ |
| Tamil | வெறிச்சோடி | /veṟiccoṭi/ |
| Japanese | 荒れ果てた | /arehateta/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /ˈdɛsələt/ (adjective), /ˈdɛsəleɪt/ (verb)
- American English: /ˈdɛsələt/ (adjective), /ˈdɛsəleɪt/ (verb)
Historical Usage
The word "desolate" has been used in English since the 14th century, often found in religious texts and poetry to describe barren landscapes or deep loneliness.
Cultural Nuances
In literature, desolate places are often symbolic of emotional isolation or spiritual barrenness, as seen in works by Shakespeare and Milton.