despond
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪ'spɒnd/
KK: /dɪ'spɑnd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To feel very sad and without hope.
Example
After losing the game, he began to despond and lost interest in playing.
Tense Forms
Past: desponded
Past Participle: desponded
Conversation
I felt really despond after failing that exam.
It's tough, but don't let it get you down!
Yeah, I know it happens to everyone sometimes.
Exactly! Just keep trying, and you'll do better next time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sadden
dismay
deject
Antonyms
cheer
encourage
uplift
noun
Definition
A state of feeling sad or hopeless, often due to a loss or disappointment.
Example
After hearing the bad news, she fell into a deep despond.
Conversation
I've been feeling a bit down lately, like there's a sense of despond hanging over everything.
I totally get that; sometimes it feels like nothing is going right.
Exactly! It's hard to shake off that feeling of despond when things aren't going as planned.
Root Explanation
Despond is derived from the Latin 'despondere' which is formed from 'de-' (meaning down) and 'spondere' (meaning to promise or pledge). The word describes a state of being downcast or losing hope, as if one has broken a promise to oneself about happiness or success.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'down' ('de-') and feeling like you've 'broken a promise' ('spondere') to be happy. This helps you remember that despond means to feel hopeless or downcast.
Visually Confused Words
respond
predespond
responde