'Despondency' conveys a profound sense of hopelessness. The word is widely used in literary works to depict characters facing emotional turmoil and despair. Its continued usage highlights the human struggle with adversity.
despondency in Dogri डोगरी
despondency in English
- despondency⇄despondency, noun.
a loss of heart, courage, or hope; discouragement; dejection.
Ex. Many disappointments caused his despondency and the old man retired to his farm to lead a hermit's life.
despondency in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
despondency in Hindi हिन्दी
despondency in Sindhi سنڌي
despondency in Telugu తెలుగు
despondency
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
English: /dɪˈspɒndənsi/
Definitions
- A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.
- Profound hopelessness or dejection.
- Depression resulting from failure or disappointment.
Usage Examples
- She sank into despondency after the job rejection.
- His despondency was visible in his gloomy expression.
- The long battle left them in a state of despondency.
Etymology
From Latin despondentia, derived from despondere meaning "to lose hope," through Old French and Middle English.
Synonyms
- Despair
- Dejection
- Melancholy
- Hopelessness
- Gloom
Antonyms
- Hope
- Cheerfulness
- Optimism
- Joy
- Confidence
Translations
| Language | Translations | Pronunciations |
|---|---|---|
| French | désespoir | /de.zɛs.pwaʁ/ |
| Spanish | desesperanza | /dese̞sˈpeɾansa/ |
| German | Verzagtheit | /fɛɐˈtsaːkthaɪt/ |
| Hindi | हताशा | /hətaːʃaː/ |
| Tamil | இழிவு | /iɻivu/ |
| Russian | уныние | /ʊˈnɨnʲɪje/ |
| Arabic | يأس | /yaʔs/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 绝望 | /jué wàng/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /dɪˈspɒndənsi/
- American English: /dɪˈspɑːndənsi/
Historical Usage
'Despondency' has been frequently used in 17th and 18th-century literature, often referring to spiritual or emotional despair.
Cultural Nuances
In literature, 'despondency' often appears in religious, philosophical, and poetic contexts to express deep emotional suffering.