crestfallen
Adjective: 1. Sad and disappointed: Feeling dejected, dispirited, or downhearted, especially after a failure or setback that causes one's hopes or pride to be diminished.
The adjective "crestfallen" describes a person's emotional state of being visibly saddened and discouraged. It is typically used after an event that causes disappointment, such as losing a competition, receiving bad news, or having one's expectations unmet. It often implies a previous state of confidence or hope that has now been lowered.
- After not making the team, the young athlete was crestfallen.
- She looked crestfallen when she saw the final exam grade.
- The crestfallen candidate conceded the election.
- Literary/Descriptive Use: "Crestfallen" is a vivid, somewhat literary word often used in writing to paint a clear picture of someone's dejection. It is stronger than simply "sad" and carries a connotation of deflated pride or collapsed optimism.
- He walked away from the meeting, crestfallen and silent.
- Crestfallenly (adverb): In a crestfallen manner.
- He nodded crestfallenly.
- Dejected
- Downcast
- Dispirited
- Disheartened
- Despondent
- Elated
- Jubilant
- Triumphant
- Cheerful
The word originates from the late 16th century, with the image of a "fallen crest." A crest refers to a comb or tuft on an animal's head, especially a rooster. When the crest is upright, it signifies alertness and pride; when it falls or droops, it signifies defeat or low spirits. This visual metaphor directly informs its meaning.
- brought low in spirit
- left us fatigued and deflated spiritually