desperate
Translation
desperate, hopeless, frantic, in great need
Examples
He was desperate for a drink of water.
He was desperate for a drink of water.
The situation is desperate.
The situation is desperate.
She made a desperate attempt to escape.
She made a desperate attempt to escape.
Grammar Patterns
desperate ((for sth.)) wanting (sth.) very much He was desperate for a drink.
desperate ((to do sth.)) needing or wanting to do (sth.) very much She was desperate to escape.
((a)) desperate ((noun)) a very serious or bad (noun) It was a desperate situation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hopeless, frantic, urgent; Antonyms: hopeful, calm
Etymology
From Latin 'desperare' (de- 'without' + sperare 'to hope'), meaning 'to be without hope'.
Memory Tips
The prefix 'de-' means 'without' and 'sper-' relates to hope (like in 'prosper'). So, it means 'without hope'.