dejected

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Dictionary definition of dejected

Feeling disheartened, low-spirited, and emotionally downcast, often as a result of disappointment, rejection, or a sense of hopelessness.
"The dejected players sat in silence after the devastating defeat."

Detailed meaning of dejected

When someone is described as dejected, it signifies that they are in a state of sadness or despondency, with their spirits visibly and emotionally diminished. This term conveys a sense of profound unhappiness and a noticeable loss of enthusiasm or confidence. Dejected individuals may appear listless, their shoulders slumped, and their expressions reflecting the weight of their emotional distress. "Dejected" encapsulates the feeling of having one's hopes dashed or experiencing a setback that has left a lasting and dispiriting impact on their mood and demeanor.

Example sentences containing dejected

1. After hearing the news of his team's loss, Tom looked utterly dejected.
2. Her eyes were dejected, filled with sorrow and disappointment.
3. The dejected expression on the child's face was enough to melt anyone's heart.
4. Walking home after the failed interview, he felt completely dejected.
5. The dog's dejected look made it clear he knew he was going to the vet.
6. The audience left the theater with dejected faces, disappointed by the performance.

History and etymology of dejected

The adjective 'dejected' has its etymological origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'deiectus,' which is the past participle of 'deicere.' 'Deicere' is a combination of 'de,' meaning 'down,' and 'iacere,' meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.' Therefore, 'deiectus' originally meant 'thrown down' or 'cast down.' Over time, the term evolved to describe the emotional state of feeling disheartened, low-spirited, and emotionally downcast, often as a result of disappointment, rejection, or a sense of hopelessness. 'Dejected' conveys the idea of one's spirits being figuratively cast down, emphasizing the emotional heaviness that accompanies such feelings. The etymology of 'dejected' underscores its historical connection to the notion of being emotionally thrown down or brought low by adverse circumstances or negative experiences.

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Further usage examples of dejected

1. She tried to smile, but her dejected eyes told the real story.
2. After his proposal was rejected, he spent the evening feeling dejected and forlorn.
3. His dejected demeanor was noticed by everyone at the party.
4. The employees were dejected when they found out about the company's financial troubles.
5. Her voice sounded dejected, revealing how deeply she was affected by the news.
6. Even though he tried to stay positive, his dejected thoughts kept returning.
7. The dejected look on her face said more than words ever could.
8. After days of rain, the whole town felt dejected and was eager for some sunshine.
9. A dejected attitude can sometimes be more harmful than the situation causing it.
10. The dejected child hid in his room after his friends failed to show up for his birthday party.
11. Investors were dejected when the stock prices plummeted unexpectedly.
12. The artist felt dejected after his work was criticized in the local newspaper.
13. They were dejected but determined, vowing to try harder next time.
14. After the rejection letter, he felt dejected and questioned his worth.
15. Her dejected expression revealed the depth of her disappointment.
16. The team's dejected faces told the story of their crushing defeat.
17. He wore a dejected look as he walked away from the shattered dream.
18. She slouched in her chair, looking dejected after the failed presentation.
19. Even in the rain, his dejected demeanor mirrored the gloomy weather.
20. The dejected student slowly picked up the pieces of his torn homework.
21. They tried to console their dejected friend with words of encouragement.
22. His dejected posture conveyed the weight of his recent setbacks.
23. The dejected crowd dispersed, their hopes dashed by the unexpected news.
24. Despite the loss, the team refused to remain permanently dejected.