WordGarden.iodesolately
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɛsələtli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a deeply sad, lonely, or hopeless way
in a bleak, empty, or deserted way, especially of a place or scene
Beyond the definition
Imagine a lone lighthouse keeper watching a storm roll in—that feeling of utter loneliness and emptiness is what "desolately" captures. It describes an action or state performed with sadness, abandonment, and a profound sense of isolation. A desolately windswept beach isn't just windy; it feels heartbreakingly empty. Think of a ghost town, a forgotten room, or the last leaf clinging to a branch in autumn—these scenes often evoke a desolate atmosphere. It's more than just being alone; it's about acting or appearing profoundly alone.
For example: "The old house stood on the hill, looking desolately at the grey sea." Or, "She wandered through the empty streets, calling his name desolately."
"Desolately" is an adverb that paints a picture of profound loneliness and bleakness. It goes beyond simply being deserted; it conveys a sense of emotional emptiness and sorrow associated with how a place is perceived or how an action is performed. The word stems from "desolate," meaning abandoned, barren, or devastated—so to act desolately means to do something in a way that reflects this deep sadness and isolation.
You might describe a landscape as desolately windswept, suggesting not just wind but also an overwhelming sense of emptiness. A character could sigh desolately, revealing their inner despair. Similarly, a town might be described as lying desolately silent after a disaster.
It's often used in literature and poetry to create a specific mood or atmosphere—think of Gothic novels with crumbling castles standing desolately against stormy skies. It's not a word you'd use for everyday sadness; it implies a deeper, more profound sense of loss and abandonment.
Consider this: "The ship sailed away, leaving the island desolately quiet." This isn't just about silence; it's about a silence filled with sorrow and the weight of being left behind. "Desolately" adds an emotional layer to descriptions, making them resonate with a feeling of profound loneliness and emptiness.
Examples
- 1
Bad news
He shook his head desolately when he heard that the trip had been canceled.
- 2
Disappointment
"I really thought they'd choose me," she said desolately.
- 3
Bleak place
The old lighthouse stood desolately on the empty coast.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- despairingly
- plaintively
- drearily
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- stared desolately
- looked desolately
- wandered desolately
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- desolatelyadverb