Crestfallen: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Crestfallen adjective. Suddenly sad and disappointed, as when a hope is dashed.
How to say it
KREST-faw-lun/ˈkrɛstfɔːlən/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (KREST).
Crestfallen in a sentence
The crestfallen boy watched his kite sail away over the rooftops.
Told the concert had sold out, she looked utterly crestfallen.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- dejected
- downcast
- disheartened
- deflated
Opposite:
- elated
- jubilant
Where crestfallen comes from
From crest and fallen: with the crest or head hanging down, a picture of defeat.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Told the concert had sold out, she looked utterly _____.
- crestfallen
- tremulous
- forlorn
Show the answer
crestfallen: Told the concert had sold out, she looked utterly crestfallen.