despair
Translation
despair, hopelessness
Examples
He was filled with despair when he lost his job.
He was filled with despair when he lost his job.
In despair, she called for help.
In despair, she called for help.
Grammar Patterns
to be in/fall into despair the complete loss or absence of hope He was filled with despair when he lost his job.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hopelessness, anguish, depression; Antonyms: hope, joy, optimism
Etymology
From Latin 'desperare', meaning 'to be without hope'. It comes from 'de-' (without) + 'sperare' (to hope).
Memory Tips
Think of it as the opposite of 'hope'. The prefix 'de-' often means 'without', so it's like being 'without hope'.