Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. DISHEARTENED
depressed
Understanding the Word: DISHEARTENED
The question asks us to select the most appropriate synonym for the word "DISHEARTENED" from the given options. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.
Let's first understand the meaning of the word DISHEARTENED.
DISHEARTENED means having lost determination, hope, or confidence. It describes a feeling of discouragement and a loss of spirit or morale.
Analyzing the Options
Now let's look at the meanings of the given options:
- disgraced: Having lost respect or reputation; humiliated. This relates to public perception and honor, not necessarily a personal feeling of losing hope.
- depressed: In a state of low spirits, sadness, or unhappiness; feeling dejected. This describes a state of low mood and lack of energy or enthusiasm, often associated with losing hope or feeling down.
- disliked: Not liked; regarded with aversion or distaste. This is about being the object of someone else's negative feeling, not a personal state of mind related to hope or determination.
- disgusted: Feeling or expressing revulsion or strong disapproval caused by something unpleasant or offensive. This is a reaction of revulsion or strong disapproval, which is different from losing hope or determination.
Comparing Meanings
Let's compare how each option relates to the core meaning of DISHEARTENED (losing hope/determination):
| Word | Meaning | Relation to DISHEARTENED (Losing hope/determination) |
|---|---|---|
| DISHEARTENED | Lost determination, hope, or confidence | Base word |
| Disgraced | Lost respect/reputation | Different focus (external perception vs. internal state) |
| Depressed | Low spirits, dejected, unhappy | Closely related, captures the feeling of being down due to loss of hope or morale |
| Disliked | Not liked by others | Unrelated (external feeling towards someone vs. internal state) |
| Disgusted | Feeling revulsion/strong disapproval | Different emotion |
Selecting the Most Appropriate Synonym
Based on the meanings, "depressed" is the closest synonym for "disheartened." While "depressed" can indicate a longer-term clinical condition, it also commonly describes a temporary state of low spirits and dejection caused by disappointment or loss of hope, which aligns well with being disheartened.
When someone is disheartened, they feel discouraged and low in spirits because something has reduced their hope or enthusiasm. This feeling is very similar to being depressed or dejected in that moment.
Therefore, among the given options, "depressed" is the most appropriate synonym for DISHEARTENED.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech |
|---|---|---|
| DISHEARTENED | Having lost determination, hope, or confidence; discouraged. | Adjective |
| Disgraced | Having lost respect or reputation. | Adjective / Verb (past participle) |
| Depressed | In a state of low spirits or sadness; dejected. | Adjective / Verb (past participle) |
| Disliked | Not liked; regarded with aversion. | Adjective / Verb (past participle) |
| Disgusted | Feeling or showing revulsion or strong disapproval. | Adjective / Verb (past participle) |
| Synonym | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. | Noun |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary
Learning synonyms and antonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary. While "depressed" is a good synonym for "disheartened" in many contexts, other words that convey a similar meaning might include:
- Discouraged
- Dejected
- Demoralized
- Downcast
- Low-spirited
Antonyms for DISHEARTENED could be words like:
- Encouraged
- Heartened
- Optimistic
- Enthusiastic
- Spirited
Paying attention to the nuances in meaning between similar words helps in using language more precisely.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
He had the audacity to blame him.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All mortal elements are impermanent.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.
