desolate
Desolate (adj) means Empty and bleak, with no people or life around; also, extremely sad and without hope. Example: “The desolate landscape stretched for miles without a single tree.”
How to use desolate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEmpty and bleak (a place), or deeply sad and without hope (a person).
Word forms
more desolate comparative, desolated past tense, desolates singular, most desolate superlative
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Can you complete this real example?
The _____ landscape stretched for miles without a single tree.
Etymology
From Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare, "to leave alone, forsake" — from de- + solus ("alone").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for desolate
See all rhymes for desolate →Frequently asked questions
What does “desolate” mean?
The word “desolate” means empty and bleak, with no people or life around; also, extremely sad and without hope. In plain terms, empty and bleak (a place), or deeply sad and without hope (a person).
How do you pronounce “desolate”?
“Desolate” is pronounced DEHS-uh-luht (/ˈdɛs.ə.lət/ in IPA).
How do you use “desolate” in a sentence?
Here is “desolate” used in a sentence: “The desolate landscape stretched for miles without a single tree.”
What part of speech is “desolate”?
Depending on how it is used, “desolate” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “desolate” come from?
The word “desolate” comes from Latin. From Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare, "to leave alone, forsake" — from de- + solus ("alone").
Is “desolate” a common word?
“Desolate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “desolate” have?
“Desolate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: empty and bleak, with no people or life around; also, extremely sad and without hope.