adj.
Pronunciation: ' de-s ə -l ə t, ' de-z ə -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone
Date: 14th century
1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : DESERTED
2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one <a desolate widow>
3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : DILAPIDATED <a desolate old house> b : BARREN , LIFELESS <a desolate landscape> c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : GLOOMY < desolate memories>
synonyms see ALONE , DISMAL
– des · o · late · ly adverb
– des · o · late · ness noun