Despondent: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Despondent adjective. Low in spirits after losing hope or courage.
How to say it
dih-SPON-dunt/dɪˈspɒndənt/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (SPON).
Despondent in a sentence
After the fourth rejection letter, Tom was too despondent to open the fifth.
The despondent fans trudged out long before the final whistle.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- dejected
- downcast
- disheartened
- hopeless
Opposite:
- hopeful
- cheerful
Where despondent comes from
From Latin despondere, to give up or lose heart (literally, to promise away).
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The _____ fans trudged out long before the final whistle.
- lachrymose
- bemused
- despondent
Show the answer
despondent: The despondent fans trudged out long before the final whistle.