disheartened
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “disheartened” mean?
adjective.having lost determination or confidence; dispirited.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages that explore themes of perseverance, personal struggle, or emotional challenges. It emphasizes a deep sense of loss in motivation or spirit, distinguishing it from similar words like "discouraged," which may imply a temporary setback rather than a profound feeling of defeat.
Common Confusions
Disheartened implies a deep and lasting loss of motivation, while discouraged usually suggests a temporary setback that may still allow for recovery and renewed effort.
Do not choose disheartened if the context emphasizes motivation or enthusiasm rather than having lost determination or confidence; dispirited.
Example Sentences
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She felt disheartened after failing the exam a second time.