Meaning and Usage
"绝望" (juéwàng) means to lose all hope or to despair. It is often used to describe a deep emotional state when someone feels there is no way out or no positive outcome possible.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in emotional or dramatic contexts, such as personal setbacks, failures, or tragic situations. It can describe both temporary feelings and more profound, lasting states.
Collocations and Patterns
- 绝望中 (in despair): used to describe actions or feelings occurring during a state of despair.
- 感到绝望 (to feel despair): a common phrase to express experiencing this emotion.
- 绝望的眼神 (eyes full of despair): a vivid expression often used in literature or conversation.
Nuances
"绝望" carries a strong emotional weight and is more intense than simply being sad or disappointed. It implies a loss of hope rather than just unhappiness. It is less casual and more formal or literary than some synonyms.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "绝望" with "失望" (shīwàng), which means disappointment. "失望" implies hope was present but not fulfilled, while "绝望" means hope is completely gone.