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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Damn: Meaning, Pronunciation, and Usage Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：exclamation of frustration (damn)

damn 🔊

/dæm/

int., adj., adv., v.

A very strong word you say when you are angry, frustrated, or disappointed about something.

Frustrated person at bus stop missing bus damn expression

exclamation of frustration 🔊

➕

/ˌɛkskləˈmeɪʃən əv frʌˈstreɪʃən/

int., adj., adv., v.

An interjection used to vent strong negative emotions such as anger, frustration, or disappointment.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'damnare' meaning 'to condemn'. The root 'damn-' relates to loss, injury, or punishment.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'D' for 'darn' + 'am' as in 'I am mad' — you say it when you're frustrated!

📖 Example

Damn! I just realized I left my keys at the office. 🔊 Damn! I just realized I left my keys at the office.

🔗 Collocations

damn it – used to express annoyance or irritation

damn you – used to curse or blame someone

damn well – used for emphasis, meaning 'certainly' or 'definitely'

🔄 Synonyms

darn (int.) – a mild exclamation of frustration, often used as a euphemism for damn

blast (int.) – an exclamation expressing annoyance or disappointment

curse (int.) – an expression of anger or irritation

🌱 Derivatives

damned (adj.) – condemned or extremely bad

damning (adj.) – strongly condemning or incriminating

damnable (adj.) – deserving condemnation; very bad

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'damnare' (to condemn), entering Old French as 'damner' and then Middle English. In medieval courts, 'damn' was used in legal condemnations. Today it's a versatile expletive expressing strong emotion across informal contexts.

Meaning 2：very bad (damn)

damn 🔊

/dæm/

int., adj., adv., v.

Used as an adjective or adverb to show that you dislike someone or something very much, meaning 'very bad' or 'damned'.

Hands tightening dripping faucet with wrench damn irritation

very bad 🔊

➕

/ˈvɛri bæd/

int., adj., adv., v.

An adjective or adverb used to emphasize negative judgment, meaning 'extremely bad' or 'damned'.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I couldn't finish the book because of that damn phone ringing every five minutes. 🔊 I couldn't finish the book because of that damn phone ringing every five minutes.

🔗 Collocations

damn thing – an object causing annoyance

damn weather – unpleasant or inconvenient weather

damn phone – a phone that causes irritation

🔄 Synonyms

blasted (adj.) – used to emphasize disapproval or annoyance

infernal (adj.) – extremely annoying; like hell

confounded (adj.) – used to express annoyance or irritation

🚫 Antonyms

blessed (adj.) – bringing happiness or relief

wonderful (adj.) – extremely good; pleasant

🌱 Derivatives

damned (adj.) – condemned to hell or extremely bad

damnable (adj.) – deserving severe condemnation