deplore
/di'plɔ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (Transitive):
- To feel or express strong disapproval of; to condemn: To regard something as deeply regrettable, unfortunate, or wrong, often from a moral standpoint.
- To regret deeply; to lament: To feel or express profound sorrow, grief, or disappointment about something.
Usage and Examples
Expressing strong disapproval or condemnation:
- Human rights organizations deplore the use of violence against peaceful protesters.
- The teacher deplored the students' lack of respect for the classroom rules.
Expressing deep regret or sorrow:
- I deplore the fact that our friendship ended over such a trivial matter.
- Historians deplore the destruction of the ancient library.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Formal Register: "Deplore" is typically used in formal, written, or serious contexts, such as political statements, official reports, or academic writing. It conveys a strong, often public, expression of disapproval or regret.
- Object Types: The object of "deplore" is often an abstract concept, situation, or action (e.g., , , ), rather than a direct personal feeling.
- The committee's report deplores the widespread corruption.
- "Deplore that..." construction: Used to introduce a clause stating the regrettable fact.
- We deplore that such injustices continue to occur.
Variants and Related Words
- Deplorable (Adjective): Deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad.
- The prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions.
- Deplorably (Adverb): In a deplorable manner.
- The system has failed deplorably.
Synonyms
- Condemn: To express complete disapproval, typically in public.
- Lament: To express passionate grief or regret about something.
- Bemoan: To express discontent or sorrow over (a situation).
- Censure: To express severe disapproval, often officially.
Antonyms
- Applaud: To show approval or praise, especially by clapping.
- Commend: To praise formally or officially.
- Approve: To have a favorable opinion of; to accept as satisfactory.
Related Phrases and Constructions
- "Deplore the fact that...": A common phrase used to formally introduce a statement of regret.
- The ambassador deplored the fact that diplomatic channels had been ignored.
- "Deeply deplore": An intensifying phrase emphasizing the strength of the feeling.
- The community deeply deplores the act of vandalism.
Verb
- regret strongly
- I deplore this hostile action
- we lamented the loss of benefits
- express strong disapproval of
- We deplore the government's treatment of political prisoners