despondent
UK[dɪˈspɒndənt]US[dɪˈspɑːndənt]
adj
In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
spond
ent
de
away, off
spond
to promise, to pledge
ent
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'despondent' originates from the Latin verb despondēre, meaning "to give up, to lose heart, to promise away." This verb itself is a compound of the prefix de- ("away, off") and spondēre ("to promise, to pledge"). The core logic is that of abandoning a promise or pledge, particularly the promise of hope or support. Over time, this literal sense of "promising away" one's hope evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being in a state of profound dejection and loss of courage. The suffix -ent was added to form the present participle adjective, describing one who is in the condition of having given up hope.
Analysis
Structure: de (away, off) + spond (to promise, to pledge) + ent (adjective suffix)
- de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "away, off, down, completely."
- spond: Latin origin, from the verb spondere, meaning "to promise, to pledge."
- ent: Latin origin, an adjectival suffix meaning "being in a state or condition."
Examples
After receiving another rejection letter, she felt utterly despondent.
The team's despondent mood was palpable after their crushing defeat.
He tried to offer words of encouragement to his despondent friend.