in low spirits
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective phrase: - Feeling sad, unhappy, or depressed: Describes a state of low mood, discouragement, or lack of enthusiasm. It indicates a temporary emotional state of being downhearted.
Usage
This phrase functions as an adjective phrase to describe a person's emotional state. It is typically used after a linking verb like "be," "feel," or "seem." - He was in low spirits after hearing the bad news. - The team felt in low spirits following their defeat.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- To be cast in low spirits: To be made to feel sad or dejected.
- The criticism cast him in low spirits for days.
- To sink into low spirits: To gradually become sad or depressed.
- After the argument, she sank into low spirits.
Variants and Related Words
- Downcast (adj): Sad or depressed.
- Dejected (adj): Sad and dispirited.
- Downhearted (adj): Discouraged; in low spirits.
- Low-spirited (adj): (A less common compound adjective) Feeling sad or dejected.
Synonyms
- Dejected
- Downcast
- Downhearted
- Depressed (can imply a more clinical or longer-lasting state)
- Despondent (implies a deeper loss of hope)
Antonyms
- In high spirits
- Cheerful
- Elated
- Upbeat
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To have a heavy heart: To feel sad or sorrowful.
- To be down in the dumps: (Informal idiom) To be unhappy or depressed.
- To feel blue: (Informal idiom) To feel sad or melancholic.
Adverb
- in a dejected manner
- when she came back Sophie and Esther were sitting dejectedly in the kitchen