Definition

Feeling sad, abandoned, or hopeless; often used to describe someone who is in a state of despair or loneliness.

Example

After losing her job, she felt even more forlorn than before.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I saw him sitting alone in the park looking even forlorner than usual.

Yeah, I noticed that too; he seems really down lately.

Maybe we should invite him to hang out with us this weekend.

That's a great idea! It might help him feel less forlorner.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'forlorner' comes from the Old English 'forloren', which is the past participle of 'forleosan', meaning to lose or to be lost. The prefix 'for-' indicates a sense of loss or away, while 'loren' relates to the act of losing. Therefore, 'forlorner' describes someone who is in a state of being lost or abandoned.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English 'forleosan', which means to lose — this helps you remember that 'forlorner' refers to someone who feels lost or abandoned.

Visually Confused Words