Vocabulary Spotlight

Dejected

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Feeling sad, depressed, or dispirited.

“After hearing the disappointing news, she felt completely dejected.”

Pronunciation

[dih-jek-tid]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Downcast
Disheartened
Despondent
Discouraged
Melancholy

Antonyms

Elated
Cheerful
Joyful
Optimistic
Happy

Related Words

Dejection (noun)
Despair (noun)

Word Origin

“Dejected” originates from the Latin “dejectus,” meaning “to throw down” or “cast down,” indicating a feeling of low spirits.

Word Family

Noun: Dejection – A state of sadness or depression.

Noun: Despair – A feeling of hopelessness, often related to dejection.

Mnemonics

Think of “dejected” as “down ejected” – feeling like you’ve been thrown down or let down.

Industry-specific Usage

Psychology

In psychology, dejection is considered a symptom of depression, where individuals feel persistently down.

Sports

Athletes may feel dejected after a loss, reflecting the emotional impact of competition.

Literature

Characters in literature often experience dejection, adding depth to their personal struggles.

In Context

“Dejected” describes a state of sadness or low spirits, often a reaction to failure, rejection, or other disappointing events. It is commonly used in psychological, social, and artistic discussions to reflect emotional lows.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Dejected”?

Elated
Optimistic
Downcast
Joyful

‘Downcast’ is correct as it describes a feeling of being low or disheartened, similar to dejected.

2. Fill in the blank: After losing the game, the team members sat in silence, feeling _______.

cheerful
optimistic
elated
dejected

‘Dejected’ is correct as it captures the mood of disappointment and sadness after a loss.

3. In which context is “dejected” commonly used?

During a celebration
After receiving bad news
When planning a vacation
Upon meeting a friend

‘After receiving bad news’ is correct as dejected describes a feeling of sadness or disappointment.