desolation
/ˌdesəˈleɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [dˌɛsəlˈeʃən] /ˌdesəˈleɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [dˌɛsəlˈeʃən] /ˌde-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce desolation (audio) ˌde-zə-/ (ame, mw)
desolation — noun
1. the bleak condition of a place after people, life, or buildings have disappeared
the bleak condition of a place after people, life, or buildings have disappeared or been ruined.
After the wildfire, Sana stood in desolation among black trees and melted fences.
stand in desolation after + disaster
The abandoned mining town was a scene of desolation by the frozen lake.
a scene of desolation
Visitors drove past miles of desolation where shops and homes once stood.
From the church tower, Christopher saw desolation spread across the flooded fields.
- devastation
stresses severe destruction, often after a violent event
- ruin
can describe the damaged state or what remains after destruction
- bleakness
broader and can describe weather or mood as well as a place
- renewal
focuses on life or activity returning after damage
- prosperity
suggests a place is active, successful, and full of life
文法句型
a scene of desolation
desolation after + disaster
desolation of + place
用法筆記
Often used for places damaged by war, disaster, or long abandonment. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes the condition of a place, not a person's emotion.
2. deep loneliness and sorrow, especially when someone feels abandoned after a pain
deep loneliness and sorrow, especially when someone feels abandoned after a painful loss.
When the last guest left, Élise felt desolation in the silent apartment.
feel desolation in + place
Kevin's voice carried real desolation after his brother moved overseas.
desolation after + separation
Constanza wrote about months of desolation after the orchestra dismissed her.
The child's face showed desolation when the rescue team found no survivors.
- loneliness
less intense and does not always imply grief
- despair
stronger and emphasizes loss of hope more than isolation
- heartbreak
often tied to love or family pain rather than general abandonment
文法句型
feel desolation after + loss
a look of desolation
speak with desolation in + voice
用法筆記
Often follows loss, separation, or disappointment and commonly appears with verbs like feel, show, or carry. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about a person's inner state rather than ruined surroundings.