Langimage
English

despairingly

|de/spair/ing/ly|

C1

🇺🇸

/dɪˈspɛrɪŋli/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈspɛərɪŋli/

(despairing)

loss of hope

Base Form
despairing
Etymology
Etymology Information

'despairingly' originates from the Old French word 'desperer,' which meant 'to lose hope.'

Historical Evolution

'desperer' transformed into the Middle English word 'despairen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'despair.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lose hope,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a manner that shows a loss of hope.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner that shows a loss of hope.

She looked despairingly at the empty shelves.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40