Definition

Adjective: 1. Feeling low in spirits; discouraged and saddened: Describes a state of sadness, dejection, or loss of hope, often due to disappointment or failure.

Usage

The adjective "downhearted" describes an emotional state. It is typically used to describe a person's feelings. * It is often used with the verb feel (e.g., feel downhearted). * It can follow linking verbs like be, become, look, or seem. * It is a synonym for "discouraged" or "disheartened."

Examples

• The team was downhearted after losing the championship game in the final seconds.
• Don't be downhearted by this small setback; you'll have another chance.
• She tried to hide it, but she looked visibly downhearted when she heard the news.
• After weeks of unsuccessful job searching, he began to feel quite downhearted.

Advanced Usage

• "Downhearted" can be used in a comparative or superlative form: , , .
• It is frequently used in the phrase "down but not out," which means discouraged but not yet defeated.

Variants and Related Words

• Downheartedly (adverb): In a downhearted manner.
  • He sighed downheartedly.
• Downheartedness (noun): The state of being downhearted.
  • A sense of downheartedness settled over the group.

Synonyms

• Discouraged
• Disheartened
• Dejected
• Crestfallen
• Gloomy
• Blue (informal)

Antonyms

• Heartened
• Encouraged
• Cheerful
• Elated
• Upbeat

Idioms and Phrases

• Down in the dumps: (Informal idiom) Feeling sad or depressed. This is a very close informal equivalent to "downhearted."
  • She's been down in the dumps since her pet cat disappeared.

Adjective

1. filled with melancholy and despondency
   • gloomy at the thought of what he had to face
   • gloomy predictions
   • a gloomy silence
   • took a grim view of the economy
   • the darkening mood
   • lonely and blue in a strange city
   • depressed by the loss of his job
   • a dispirited and resigned expression on her face
   • downcast after his defeat
   • feeling discouraged and downhearted