Is despairing a word

Table of Contents

  1. What is despairing in a sentence?
  2. What does despairing mean in English?
  3. What does equivocate mean in English?
  4. Does equivocate mean lie?
  5. What is an example of equivocate?
  6. Is equivocation a lie?
  7. What’s the definition of red herring?
  8. Why is the term red herring used?
  9. How do you use red herring in a sentence?
  10. How do you stop the red herring fallacy?
  11. How do you make a red herring?
  12. Is a red herring a plot twist?
  13. How do you do a red herring in a story?
  14. How can you tell a red herring?
  15. Why red herring is bad?
  16. What is ad hominem example?

What does despairing mean? Despairing is an adjective that describes people who are experiencing despair—complete hopelessness. The word despair is also commonly used as a verb meaning to lose all hope, and despairing comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb.

What is despairing in a sentence?

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope. 1) He skipped past the defender’s despairing lunge. 2) Jim raised his hands in a despairing gesture. 3) He flashed her a despairing glance.

What does despairing mean in English?

: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope.

What does equivocate mean in English?

intransitive verb. 1 : to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive. 2 : to avoid committing oneself in what one says.

Does equivocate mean lie?

Frequently Asked Questions About equivocate Some common synonyms of equivocate are fib, lie, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean “to tell an untruth,” equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

What is an example of equivocate?

In the example, the word ‘star’ is used to mean a famous person and a celestial body. The double meaning of the word ‘star’ creates the fallacy. So an argument using equivocation will appear to be valid but given the double meaning of the word, it is not. See this in action through some real-life examples.

Is equivocation a lie?

Difference between equivocating and lying Specifically, this is because lying involves telling a falsehood directly, while equivocation involves concealing the truth or avoiding commitment to a specific stance, without necessarily telling any falsehoods.

What’s the definition of red herring?

1 : a herring cured by salting and slow smoking to a dark brown color. 2 [from the practice of drawing a red herring across a trail to confuse hunting dogs] : something that distracts attention from the real issue.

Why is the term red herring used?

Smoked and salted herrings turn bright red in the curing process and emit a pungent, fishy smell. Although the term “red herring” had been around since 1420 to describe the smoked version of the fish, it was first used to mean a distraction in a British gentlemen’s magazine published in 1686.

How do you use red herring in a sentence?

Example Sentences The new law is just a red herring meant to draw our attention away from the issues regarding education. The new coffee cart is a red herring. They are hoping we forget about all of the overtime that we have to work. The author introduced a red herring into the plot to keep you guessing.

How do you stop the red herring fallacy?

Once you recognize that a red herring was used, there are several things that you can do in response:

  1. Ask the person who used the red herring to justify it.
  2. Point out the red herring and explain why it’s fallacious.
  3. Redirect the conversation back to the original line of discussion.

How do you make a red herring?

5 Ways to Create Red Herrings in a Mystery Novel

  1. Choose an innocent character and give him a motive that makes him a strong suspect in the murder of a victim.
  2. Put an innocent character at the scene of the crime.
  3. Create a guilty character who seems innocent because there is no evidence of motive, weapon or opportunity.

Is a red herring a plot twist?

Red herrings build suspense and help storytellers execute dramatic plot twists. Red herrings are a staple of mystery novels and “whodunits,” but they appear in other kinds of stories as well.

How do you do a red herring in a story?

Use red herrings as a device in the middle section of your story to build tension. When you’ve built a strong protagonist, the reader will believe, as the protagonist does, that they have discovered a true clue.

How can you tell a red herring?

Red herring is a kind of fallacy that is an irrelevant topic introduced in an argument to divert the attention of listeners or readers from the original issue. In literature, this fallacy is often used in detective or suspense novels to mislead readers or characters, or to induce them to make false conclusions.

Why red herring is bad?

Red Herring Fallacies are usually used when a person realizes they have a weak argument, so they Change—-The——Subject to mislead and confuse other people. They misrepresent the argument. The person simply Changes—-The—-Subject of the argument in an attempt to confuse other people.

A classic example of ad hominem fallacy is given below: A: “All murderers are criminals, but a thief isn’t a murderer, and so can’t be a criminal.” B: “Well, you’re a thief and a criminal, so there goes your argument.”


Asked by: Prof. Caden Dicki

Score: 4.9/5
(14 votes)

Despairing is an adjective that describes people who are experiencing despair—complete hopelessness. The word despair is also commonly used as a verb meaning to lose all hope, and despairing comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb.

What does it mean to be despairing?

English Language Learners Definition of despairing

: feeling very sad and without hope : showing or feeling despair. See the full definition for despairing in the English Language Learners Dictionary. despairing. adjective. de·​spair·​ing | di-ˈsper-iŋ

What’s a word for losing hope?

1. Despair, desperation, despondency, discouragement, hopelessness refer to a state of mind caused by circumstances that seem too much to cope with. Despair suggests total loss of hope, which may be passive or may drive one to furious efforts, even if at random: in the depths of despair; courage born of despair.

Why you should never lose hope?

Having hope gives you the courage to think that things would get better with time despite the odds being not in your favor; hope is the only thing that keeps you moving forward, it gives you the strength and ability to bounce back from whatever the obstacle you are going through.

What is a person who never gives up called?

A. Tenacious is a mostly positive term. If someone calls you tenacious you’re probably the kind of person who never gives up and never stops trying – someone who does whatever is required to accomplish a goal.

26 related questions found

What does bewildering mean in English?

: extremely confusing or difficult to understand an utterly bewildering experience a bewildering number of possibilities

What is a despairing person?

A despairing person is usually someone who is deeply sad about something that has happened or that hasn’t happened—something usually triggers the despair. This is especially the case in serious and very negative situations that involve finality, such as death or a devastating loss in a political election.

What is the synonym of despairing?

Some common synonyms of despairing are desperate, despondent, and hopeless. While all these words mean «having lost all or nearly all hope,» despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.

What is the opposite rude?

Antonym of Rude

Word. Antonym. Rude. Polite, Courteous. Get definition and list of more Antonym and Synonym in English Grammar.

What does Desponed mean?

despond in American English

1. to be depressed by loss of hope, confidence, or courage. noun.

How do you use despairing?

Despairing sentence example

  1. I have been despairing at the thought of this. …
  2. After the despairing cry I looked quickly into the night sky. …
  3. It was a despairing dive into depression. …
  4. He glanced down at her with a despairing expression. …
  5. My despairing thought is, «Who will want me now?»

What does self wallowing mean?

1 : to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner hogs wallowing in the mud. 2 : to billow forth : surge. 3 : to devote oneself entirely especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : delight.

What causes people to despair?

We often feel despair after tragic events in our lives, especially when we experience a significant loss. It tends to be the main emotion people feel after a sudden traumatic event, which is normal, but can lead to irrational decision-making in the heat of the moment.

What does dark despair mean?

1. [Rel.] expression used to describe metaphorically a period of ignorance and spiritual crisis that precedes the communion with Divinity ; 2. in a larger meaning, it is used when refering to having a hard time, going through a phase of pessimism, sadness, failure etc.

What is a mystify?

1 : to perplex the mind of : bewilder. 2 : to make mysterious or obscure mystify an interpretation of a prophecy. Other Words from mystify Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About mystify.

What does stuporous mean medically?

Stupor is unresponsiveness from which a person can be aroused only by vigorous, physical stimulation. Coma is unresponsiveness from which a person cannot be aroused and in which the person’s eyes remain closed, even when the person is stimulated.

Is awe inspiring meaning?

If you describe someone or something as awe-inspiring, you are emphasizing that you think that they are remarkable and amazing, although sometimes rather frightening. …a museum with an awe-inspiring display of jewellery.

How do you say never give up in one word?

sedulous Add to list Share. A sedulous person is someone who works hard and doesn’t give up easily.

What do you call someone who keeps trying?

Fighter implies that a person is suffering or has suffered hardships but will persevere. Trooper is someone who keeps going despite difficulty. Risk taker implies daring, possibly with a slightly negative connotation. Determinator is a (highly informal) term for, well, someone who is determined.

What do you call a person who never loses hope?

boundless, ceaseless, constant, continual, continuous, eternal, everlasting, incessant, interminable, nonstop, perpetual, persistent, relentless, unbroken, unceasing, unchanging, uninterrupted, unremitting.

How do you motivate someone who lost hope?

For more information, please view our Privacy Policy and Earnings Disclosure page.

  1. 1 | Talk About Your Love. I love you and I care about you. …
  2. 2 | Let Them Know That You Are There to Listen. Hey, I wish there was more I can do but I am here if you want to talk. …
  3. 3 | Remind Them That Things Get Better. …
  4. 4 | Offer A Little Help.

: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : devoid of hope

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for despairing



despondent about yet another rejection

despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency.



despairing appeals for the return of the kidnapped child

desperate implies despair that prompts reckless action or violence in the face of defeat or frustration.



one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle

hopeless suggests despair and the cessation of effort or resistance and often implies acceptance or resignation.



the situation of the trapped miners is hopeless

Example Sentences



despairing predictions regarding the effects of global overpopulation



despairing applicants need to be reminded that most students are eventually accepted somewhere

Recent Examples on the Web

Like someone from the young past has sent a missive to these old despairing people’s present.


Arthur Lubow, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2023





The Reuters dispatch that prompted Jim’s piece paints a portrait of President Biden peering down from Olympian heights upon the rabble that make up the Democratic leadership class and despairing.


Noah Rothman, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023





The painting is Odyssey, history, hopeful, despairing, empowering and utterly modern in its telling of age-old, universal human aspirations and hardships.


Chadd Scott, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023





Now this is insidious, as one can get lulled into this and ultimately get used to it, leading those of us who’ve experienced cinema in the past — as much more than that— to become despairing of the future of the art form, especially for younger generations.


Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Jan. 2023





Those words can feel expansive and optimistic, or utterly despairing, depending on how they’re said.


Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2022





Social media thrives on self-deprecating riffs about rejection, but writers tend to reserve their most despairing fits of self-pity for their diaries.


Mark Athitakis, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2023





Late last year, as Israel swore in the most right-wing government in its history, a despairing joke circulated online.


Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2023





Buckley is called upon to be alternately hopeful, despairing, curious, bewildered, affectionate, troubled, dismayed.


Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 12 May 2022



See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘despairing.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of despair entry 2

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of despairing was
in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near despairing

Cite this Entry

“Despairing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despairing. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on despairing

Last Updated:
10 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences

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Merriam-Webster unabridged

безнадежный, безысходный, отчаянный

прилагательное

- отчаянный, безнадёжный

despairing look — взгляд, полный отчаяния
despairing wail — вопль отчаяния

Мои примеры

Словосочетания

Примеры с переводом

Jim raised his hands in a despairing gesture.

Джим в отчаянии вскинул руки.

Примеры, ожидающие перевода

Her chin sank onto her chest, and she looked despairing.

…despairing applicants need to be reminded that most students are eventually accepted somewhere…

Для того чтобы добавить вариант перевода, кликните по иконке , напротив примера.

Возможные однокоренные слова

despair  — отчаяние, безысходность, отчаиваться, терять надежду
despairingly  — в отчаянии, безнадежно
despaired  — отчаявшийся

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  • British

This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.

[ dih-spair-ing ]

/ dɪˈspɛər ɪŋ /

This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.


adjective

given to despair or hopelessness.

indicating despair: a despairing look.

QUIZ

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Origin of despairing

First recorded in 1585–95; despair + -ing2

synonym study for despairing

OTHER WORDS FROM despairing

de·spair·ing·ly, adverbun·de·spair·ing, adjectiveun·de·spair·ing·ly, adverb

Words nearby despairing

desorb, desorption, De Soto, desoxy-, despair, despairing, despatch, Despenser, desperado, desperate, desperately

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT DESPAIRING

What does despairing mean?

Despairing is an adjective that describes people who are experiencing despair—complete hopelessness.

The word despair is also commonly used as a verb meaning to lose all hope, and despairing comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb.

A despairing person is usually someone who is deeply sad about something that has happened or that hasn’t happened—something usually triggers the despair. This is especially the case in serious and very negative situations that involve finality, such as death or a devastating loss in a political election.

It often implies that one is giving up—that they believe there is nothing more to be done to make things better.

Despairing can also be used to describe things that involve or show despair, as in a despairing look. 

Example: The despairing players stared in disbelief at the scoreboard, which showed an insurmountable lead with only minutes left.

Where does despairing come from?

The first records of the word despairing as an adjective come from around 1600. Its base word, despair, comes from the Latin verb dēspērāre, meaning “to be without hope” (the adjective desperate is based on the same root). Remember: at the heart of despair, there is hope—its ultimate root is the Latin root spēs, meaning “hope.”

You know the moment in the story when the hero loses all hope? In that moment, the despairing hero is at their lowest point, in the depths of despair—the rock bottom of hopelessness. This usually happens when it looks like there is no way out of what seems like a hopeless situation, or when it seems like there is no longer a way to win, succeed, or overcome evil. And yet, in many cases, hope springs eternal.

Did you know … ?

How is despairing used in real life?

Despairing is usually used in the context of serious situations, such as the death of a loved one or some other painful loss.

After going for broke last year with a strategy of trying to undo the withdrawal, they are rallying their weary, despairing supporters for hugely consequential battles ahead over the shape of Brexit https://t.co/EINeeFuUfx

— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) January 31, 2020

If you read «This Town» for snark, you’ll miss the point: it’s an unsettling, almost despairing look at how D.C. works–and why it doesn’t.

— Jeff Greenfield (@greenfield64) July 21, 2013

I had one of those ’embracing-a-stranger-at-the-pub’ moments when Rooney scored last night. When Suarez won it we shared a despairing glance

— James Joslin (@james_joslin) June 20, 2014

Try using despairing!

Which of the following words is a synonym of despairing?

A. despondent
B. desperate
C. hopeless
D. all of the above

Words related to despairing

grief-stricken, melancholic, melancholy, pessimistic, suicidal, blue, dejected, depressed, oppressed, sunk, anxious, at end of one’s rope, brokenhearted, cynical, desperate, disconsolate, downcast, forlorn, frantic, hopeless

How to use despairing in a sentence

  • Though it doesn’t wrap up with anything close to a happy ending, it’s more galvanizing than it is despairing.

  • His disturbing images are what despairing victims and survivors in Liberia hoped the world would see.

  • We were too tired to resist this outrage, but shuffled down the street, silent and despairing.

  • Despairing about the length and frequency of the many fashion weeks has become a tired refrain.

  • Despairing, Brody picks up the syringe the doctor has left for him—and injects the heroin the doctor left alongside it.

  • Despairing, he is consoled by an elder statesman of his party.

  • He tried the effect of ridicule on the wretched and despairing Louis; and to one of his arguments, he at last extorted a reply.

  • On landing, the old prince, trembling from top to toe, with despairing glance clutched the arm of the Governor for protection.

  • When she could hold a pen in her hand, she sent a despairing letter to Madame Valmonde.

  • His art brings rest and tranquillity to the wearied and despairing, and she did not speak again until they had reached the house.

  • Being to leeward, they could hear despairing cries distinctly, and four or five human beings were seen clinging to the side.

British Dictionary definitions for despairing


adjective

marked by or resulting from despair; hopeless or desperate

Derived forms of despairing

despairingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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