Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state or feeling of low spirits, dejection, or discouragement: "Downheartedness" refers to a profound emotional state characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of cheer or optimism.

Usage

• "Downheartedness" is a formal noun used to describe a deep, persistent feeling of sadness or discouragement. It is often used in literary, psychological, or descriptive contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The team's losing streak led to a general sense of downheartedness among the players.
  • Despite her outward smile, a deep downheartedness lingered after the news.
  • He tried to combat his downheartedness by focusing on his goals.

Advanced Usage

• "A wave of downheartedness": A sudden, strong feeling of dejection.

  • A wave of downheartedness washed over her as she read the letter.

• "To sink into downheartedness": To gradually become deeply discouraged or sad.

  • After several rejections, he began to sink into downheartedness.

Variants and Related Words

• Downhearted (adj): In low spirits; dejected.

  • She felt downhearted after the meeting.

• Downheartedly (adv): In a dejected manner.

  • He sighed downheartedly.

Synonyms

• Dejection: A state of low spirits.
• Despondency: A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.
• Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
• Gloom: A state of partial or total darkness; a state of depression or despondency.

Antonyms

• Cheerfulness: The quality or state of being noticeably happy and optimistic.
• Elation: Great happiness and exhilaration.
• Exuberance: The quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To be down in the dumps": (Informal idiom) To be unhappy or depressed. This is a more colloquial expression for a state similar to downheartedness.
  • He's been down in the dumps since his project was canceled.

Noun

1. a feeling of low spirits
   • he felt responsible for her lowness of spirits