disheartening
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪsˈhɑːtənɪŋ/
KK: /dɪsˈhɑrtənɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing someone to feel sad or discouraged.
Example
The news of the team's loss was disheartening for all the fans.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more disheartening
Superlative: most disheartening
Conversation
I just read the news and it was so disheartening to see all those negative stories.
I know what you mean; sometimes it feels overwhelming.
I wish there were more uplifting news to balance it out.
Exactly! It's important to focus on the good things too.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
discouraging
dismaying
depressing
Antonyms
encouraging
uplifting
inspiring
verb
Definition
To make someone lose confidence or hope.
Example
The bad news was disheartening for the team, making them feel defeated.
Tense Forms
Past: disheartened
Past Participle: disheartened
Conversation
I felt really disheartening when I got my test results back.
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that!
Yeah, it just makes me doubt my abilities sometimes.
Root Explanation
Disheartening → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "heart" (from Old English "heorte", meaning the organ that pumps blood, often symbolizing emotion or spirit) and the suffix "-ening" (indicating a process or action). The word describes the process of taking away one's spirit or enthusiasm.
Memory Tip
Think of 'dis-' meaning to take away and 'heart' representing spirit or enthusiasm — disheartening means taking away someone's spirit.
Visually Confused Words
heartening
hearteningly