绝望

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"绝望" (juéwàng) means to lose all hope or to despair. It is often used to describe a deep emotional state when someone feels there is no way out or no positive outcome possible.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in emotional or dramatic contexts, such as personal setbacks, failures, or tragic situations. It can describe both temporary feelings and more profound, lasting states.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 绝望 (in despair): used to describe actions or feelings occurring during a state of despair.
  • 绝望 (to feel despair): a common phrase to express experiencing this emotion.
  • 绝望眼神 (eyes full of despair): a vivid expression often used in literature or conversation.

Nuances

"绝望" carries a strong emotional weight and is more intense than simply being sad or disappointed. It implies a loss of hope rather than just unhappiness. It is less casual and more formal or literary than some synonyms.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "绝望" with "失望" (shīwàng), which means disappointment. "失望" implies hope was present but not fulfilled, while "绝望" means hope is completely gone.

Example Sentences

He felt despair because of continuous failures.

In despair, she found the courage to start over.

Despair is not the end, but a new beginning.