Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊp] (IPA) 
The word "mope" refers to a person who is sad, disinterested or lacks motivation. The spelling of "mope" is straightforward as it is spelled exactly as it sounds. In the IPA phonetic transcription, "mope" is represented as /məʊp/. The first syllable /məʊ/ is pronounced like the word "mow" with a longer vowel sound. The second syllable /p/ is pronounced with a clear and strong release of air, making it sound like a short popping sound.
Mope is a verb that refers to a state of low spirits, feeling downhearted, or being in a gloomy, listless, and unenthusiastic mood. This term can also describe the action of dwelling on one's unhappiness or frustrations, often by indulging in self-pity or brooding.
When someone mopes, they typically exhibit an inclination to withdraw from social activities and display signs of despondency or melancholy. This behavior is often characterized by a lack of energy or interest in engaging with others, leading to a general sense of disengagement from their surroundings. Moping may involve spending excessive time alone, isolating oneself, or indulging in passive activities that offer little mental or emotional stimulation.
Furthermore, moping can be prompted by various factors, such as disappointment, sadness, boredom, or a sense of hopelessness. It is not uncommon for individuals to mope temporarily in response to certain life events such as a rejection, a breakup, or a failure. However, moping becomes a cause for concern when it persists for an extended period and significantly impacts one's daily functioning.
While moping may serve as a temporary coping mechanism, it is generally considered an unproductive and self-defeating behavior. It limits one's ability to actively find solutions or seek support, often prolonging negative emotions. Recognizing and addressing the underlying causes of moping can be crucial in helping individuals regain a more positive outlook and overcome their period of despondency.
• To be dull, stupid, or drowsy; to be spiritless or gloomy from discontent.
• A person low in spirits.
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 "mope" originated in the late 16th century. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Dutch word "moppen", which means "to grimace" or "to sulk". It could also be related to the Danish word "maabe" or "mope", which means "to underperform" or "to be careless". Regardless, "mope" found its way into the English language and has come to mean a person who is gloomy, listless, or without energy.
