Dismay is spelled as /dɪsˈmeɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "dis" is pronounced as /dɪs/, while the second syllable "may" is pronounced as /meɪ/. The word dismay means to cause someone to feel distressed or unhappy. It is important to spell this word correctly to convey the intended meaning in written communication. Spelling correctly also ensures effective communication, prevents misunderstandings, and enhances the quality of writing.
Dismay is a noun that refers to a feeling of disappointment, shock, or distress, often caused by an unexpected or unpleasant event or discovery. It is a state of being deeply troubled or disheartened. Dismay can be characterized by a sense of sadness, despair, or hopelessness.
As a verb, to dismay means to cause someone to feel this intense disappointment or distress. It involves shaking or weakening someone's confidence, causing them to lose courage or be disheartened. It may also involve shocking or jolting someone with an unanticipated or unwelcome revelation or event.
The feeling of dismay typically arises when one's expectations are shattered, or when circumstances take an unfavorable turn. It can be experienced in various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, or personal goals. Dismay often arises from a realization that things are not as they were expected or desired, therefore creating a sense of unease, fear, or apprehension about the future.
While dismay usually implies a negative emotional reaction, it can also be an impetus for change or growth. It can serve as a catalyst for introspection, prompting individuals to reassess their situations and make necessary adjustments. Overcoming dismay involves finding ways to regain confidence, rebuild hope, and move forward in the face of unexpected challenges or setbacks.
• A loss of courage or firmness; a sinking of the spirits; depression; fear, with discouragement and confusion.
• To terrify and confuse; to dishearten; to discourage or depress.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dismay" originated from Middle English "dismayen", which can be further traced back to the Old French word "desmaiier" or "esmaier". This Old French term is a combination of the prefix "des-" (meaning completely or intensively) and "maier" (meaning to control or to overcome). The word ultimately has its roots in the Latin word "exmagiare", which also means to control or to overcome. Over time, "dismay" came to mean to cause someone to lose courage or to cause someone to feel uneasy or troubled.