despair
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈspɛr/
KK: /dɪˈspɛr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To feel a complete loss of hope or confidence.
Example
After hearing the bad news, she began to despair about the future.
Tense Forms
Past: despaired
Past Participle: despaired
Conversation
I felt like I might despair when I saw my exam results.
That’s tough, but one bad grade doesn’t define you.
I know, but it’s hard not to despair sometimes.
Just remember that you can always improve next time!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suffer
falter
waver
Antonyms
hope
persist
strive
noun
Definition
A feeling of having no hope or being very sad about something.
Example
After losing his job, he fell into a deep despair.
Conversation
I felt a wave of despair when I saw my exam results.
I know that feeling; it can be really tough sometimes.
Yeah, it's hard to stay positive when you feel that way.
Root Explanation
Despair is formed from the prefix "de-" (meaning down or away) and the root "spair" (from Latin "sperare", meaning to hope). The word describes a state of being without hope, as it combines the idea of being away from hope.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'away from hope' — 'de-' means down or away, and 'sperare' means to hope. This helps you remember that despair means to lose hope.
Visually Confused Words
deair
predespair
espalier