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bleak

adjective

/blik/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of bleak

Stark, desolate, or lacking in hope or positive qualities, often in a way that evokes a sense of gloom or harshness.
"The winter landscape was cold and bleak, with no signs of life."

Detailed meaning of bleak

When something is characterized as bleak, it implies a grim and austere appearance or outlook, with little or no brightness, warmth, or optimism. This term can apply to various contexts, such as a bleak landscape characterized by barrenness and emptiness, a bleak financial situation marked by hardship and scarcity, or a bleak outlook on the future when prospects seem dim. "Bleak" underscores the idea of something being harsh and unforgiving, often invoking feelings of sadness, pessimism, or a sense of starkness in the observer or experiencer.

Example sentences containing bleak

1. The winter morning greeted us with a bleak sky and chilly air.
2. The news about the economic downturn was quite bleak for many businesses.
3. The abandoned house had a bleak and desolate appearance.
4. After the breakup, she felt a sense of bleak emptiness.
5. The future of the small village seemed bleak without access to clean water.
6. The novelist painted a bleak picture of post-apocalyptic society in his book.

History and etymology of bleak

The adjective 'bleak' has its etymological roots in Old Norse and Middle English. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word 'bleikr,' which means 'pale' or 'white,' possibly referring to the color of bare, lifeless landscapes. In Middle English, 'bleak' evolved to describe landscapes and situations that are stark, desolate, or lacking in hope or positive qualities, often in a way that evokes a sense of gloom or harshness. 'Bleak' is commonly used to portray environments or circumstances that appear inhospitable or unwelcoming, emphasizing their barren or grim nature. It conveys a feeling of emptiness and desolation, whether describing a desolate winter landscape or a situation devoid of optimism and cheer.

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Further usage examples of bleak

1. The landscape during the storm was harsh and bleak, with gusts of wind and heavy rain.
2. The prisoner's cell was a bleak, windowless room with minimal furnishings.
3. The movie depicted a bleak future where resources were scarce and society was in chaos.
4. The patient's prognosis was initially bleak, but with treatment, there was hope.
5. The novel's protagonist faced a series of bleak challenges that tested his resilience.
6. The city's industrial area had a bleak atmosphere, with factories emitting smoke.
7. The alleyway was dimly lit and had a bleak feeling of abandonment.
8. The homeless shelter provided a warm place for those facing a bleak winter.
9. The detective's investigation into the murder revealed a bleak and sinister motive.
10. The author's writing style conveyed a sense of bleak realism in depicting life's hardships.
11. The refugee camp was a place of bleak conditions, lacking proper resources.
12. The view from the mountaintop was unexpectedly bleak, with a thick layer of fog.
13. The conversation took a bleak turn when they discussed the environmental crisis.
14. Despite the bleak circumstances, their determination to rebuild the community was unwavering.