Pronunciation: [fˈɔːlɔːn] (IPA) 
The word "forlorn" is spelled as f-əʊ-l-ɔː(r)n. It is derived from the Old English word "forloren," which means "deprived" or "abandoned." The combination of the "or" and "lo" sounds makes it a bit tricky to spell correctly. However, once you get the hang of the pronunciation, the spelling becomes easier. "Forlorn" is generally used to describe a person who is abandoned or left without hope or comfort.
Forlorn is an adjective that describes a state of feeling or appearing sad, lonely, or abandoned. It refers to a person or thing that is desolate, dispirited, or without hope. This term is often used to express a deep sense of melancholy or despair.
The key characteristic of forlornness is a profound sense of abandonment or isolation. It implies a feeling of being forsaken by others or being left in a state of neglect. This state can stem from various situations, such as being physically stranded or emotionally disconnected from others. A forlorn individual may exhibit visible signs of sadness, helplessness, or sorrow.
Forlornness can also describe objects or places that give off an aura of abandonment or desolation. This can include dilapidated buildings, neglected gardens, or other surroundings that appear forgotten or unattended. Additionally, forlorn can relate to actions or expressions that convey a sense of hopelessness, as if all effort is in vain.
The word "forlorn" carries a nuanced sense of deep sorrow or loss, often suggesting a state beyond simple sadness. It encompasses a feeling of being deserted, rejected, or unloved. The term evokes a powerful emotional resonance, capturing the essence of profound misery and the longing for companionship or solace.
Destitute; forsaken; solitary.
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 "forlorn" originates from Middle English, where it was initially spelled as "forloren". It is derived from the Old English word "forloren", which is a combination of the prefix "for-" (meaning "completely" or "thoroughly") and the verb "leosan" (meaning "to lose"). In its earliest usage, "forlorn" meant "utterly lost" or "abandoned". Over time, its meaning has evolved to convey a sense of sadness, loneliness, or desolation.
