DESOLATE


Meaning of DESOLATE in English

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

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.