noun

Devdas

Devdas (noun) means a term for a heartbroken, tragically lovesick man, drawn from a famous story. Example: “After the breakup, his friends joked he was acting like a real Devdas.”

noun

A term for a heartbroken, tragically lovesick man, drawn from a famous story.

"After the breakup, his friends joked he was acting like a real Devdas."

How to use Devdas

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nickname for someone wallowing in heartbreak, referencing the tragic novel character.

When to use it

Mostly used in South Asian English contexts.

Word forms

Devdases plural

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After the breakup, his friends joked he was acting like a real _____.

Etymology

From the male lead of the 1917 Bengali novel Devdas, whose story has since been retold many times on screen.

· First attested 1917

Class of 1917 Devdas joined the language around 1917.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Devdas” mean?

The word “Devdas” means a term for a heartbroken, tragically lovesick man, drawn from a famous story. In plain terms, a nickname for someone wallowing in heartbreak, referencing the tragic novel character.

How do you use “Devdas” in a sentence?

Here is “Devdas” used in a sentence: “After the breakup, his friends joked he was acting like a real Devdas.”

What part of speech is “Devdas”?

“Devdas” is a noun.

Where does the word “Devdas” come from?

The word “Devdas” dates back to around 1917. From the male lead of the 1917 Bengali novel Devdas, whose story has since been retold many times on screen.