The word "desolation" is spelled with the letters D-E-S-O-L-A-T-I-O-N. Its pronunciation can be transcribed as /ˌdɛsəˈleɪʃən/. The first syllable "des-" is pronounced with a short "e" sound and the second syllable "-o-" is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The third syllable "-la-" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the fourth syllable "-tion" is pronounced with a "sh" sound. The word means a state of complete emptiness or destruction.
Desolation is a noun that refers to a state of extreme emptiness, loneliness, and sadness. It is characterized by a feeling of complete abandonment and devastation. The word is often associated with places, landscapes, or situations that are devoid of life, joy, or hope.
In a physical sense, desolation describes a deserted and uninhabited area. It can refer to a barren desert, a desolate island, or a desolate landscape after a natural disaster. These places are marked by a lack of vegetation, wildlife, or any signs of human existence. They evoke a sense of isolation and despair.
In an emotional context, desolation conveys a deep sense of grief, hopelessness, and despair. It may be used to describe a person's state of mind after experiencing a great loss, such as the death of a loved one or the end of a significant relationship. The feeling of desolation can also arise from experiencing a major failure, disappointment, or betrayal. It is an overwhelming sense of being alone and abandoned, with no comforting or supportive presence.
Desolation can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of ruin and destruction. It may refer to the aftermath of a war, where a once-thriving city lies in ruins, or to a community that has been ravaged by poverty, crime, or neglect. This connotation emphasizes the devastation and desolation experienced by those affected.
Overall, desolation carries a sense of despondency, abandonment, and emptiness, whether in a physical, emotional, or metaphorical sense.
A solitary waste; ruin; destruction; a place deprived of inhabitants; gloom.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "desolation" originated from the Latin word "desolatio" which means "a laying waste or making desolate". It is derived from the Latin verb "desolare" meaning "to leave alone, abandon, or forsake". The Latin word is a combination of "de" meaning "down, away" and "solus" meaning "alone". Therefore, the etymology of "desolation" implies a state of being deserted, empty, or destroyed.