Langimage
English

forlorn

|for/lorn|

C1

🇺🇸

/fərˈlɔrn/

🇬🇧

/fəˈlɔːn/

sadly abandoned

Etymology
Etymology Information

'forlorn' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forloren,' where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'loren' meant 'lost.'

Historical Evolution

'forloren' changed from Old English word 'forloren' and eventually became the modern English word 'forlorn'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'completely lost,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.

She looked forlorn, standing alone in the rain.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

(of an aim or endeavor) unlikely to succeed or be fulfilled; hopeless.

His forlorn attempt to win her back was in vain.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/16 20:51