verzweifelt
desperately · desperate
Ein Gefühl, bei dem man keinen Ausweg sieht und sehr traurig oder hoffnungslos ist.
Definition & meaning
The word "verzweifelt" primarily describes a state of intense hopelessness, distress, or lack of options. It is used to characterize a person who feels they are in a situation with no way out, or an action taken out of sheer necessity and lack of better alternatives.
There are two main ways to use the word:
- As an adjective/adverb: To describe a feeling or a manner of acting. For example, "ein verzweifelter Schrei" (a desperate cry) or "sie suchte verzweifelt nach ihrem Schlüssel" (she searched desperately for her key).
- As the past participle of the verb "verzweifeln": Used to indicate that someone has fallen into despair. For example, "Ich bin an dieser Aufgabe verzweifelt" (I despaired over this task).
Grammar & Word origin
"Verzweifelt" is the past participle (Partizip II) of the verb "verzweifeln" . In a sentence, it can function as an adjective, an adverb, or as part of a perfect tense construction.
The word is rooted in the German noun "Zweifel" , which means "doubt." The prefix "ver-" in this context signifies a transition into a state or the completion of a process, often with a negative or destructive connotation. Etymologically, to be "verzweifelt" is to be beyond "doubting"—it is the point where doubt has turned into a total loss of hope.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- hoffnungslos (hopeless)
- ratlos (at a loss/helpless)
- niedergeschlagen (dejected/depressed)
- mutlos (discouraged)
- kopflos (frantic/acting without thinking)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Sie sucht verzweifelt ihre Schlüssel.adverb
She searches desperately for her keys.
Er wirkte verzweifelt, als er keine Antwort bekam.adjective
He seemed desperate when he got no answer.
Er blickt verzweifelt in den Himmel.adverb
He looks desperately at the sky.
Er wirkt verzweifelt, weil er seinen Schlüssel verloren hat.adjective
He seems desperate because he lost his key.
Er sucht verzweifelt nach einer Lösung.adverb
He is desperately looking for a solution.
Maria wirkt heute sehr verzweifelt.adjective
Maria seems very desperate today.
Die verzweifelte Mutter rief die Polizei an.adjective
The desperate mother called the police.
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