forlorn
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “forlorn” mean?
adjective.pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages that explore themes of loss, isolation, or unrequited love. It emphasizes a deep sense of hopelessness and emotional desolation, distinguishing it from similar words like "sad" or "lonely" by conveying a more profound, piercing sense of abandonment.
Common Confusions
Forlorn implies a deep sense of hopelessness and emotional abandonment, while lonely usually suggests a state of solitude that may not carry the same profound despair.
Do not choose forlorn if the context emphasizes hopefulness or companionship rather than being pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.
Example Sentences
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The abandoned puppy looked forlorn at the shelter door.