Reading Theme:
Devastating: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：utterly destructive (devastating)
devastating
/ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/
adj.
causing a lot of damage, leaving things in ruins.
utterly destructive
➕
/ˈʌtəli dɪˈstrʌktɪv/
adj.
Describing something that causes immense and often complete physical damage or ruin.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'devastare' (de- 'completely' + vastare 'to lay waste'), via French.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a devastating storm that leaves a vast empty space where a town once stood.
📖 Example
The devastating hurricane left thousands of people without homes.
The utterly destructive hurricane left thousands of people without homes.
🔗 Collocations
devastating impact – an overwhelmingly damaging effect
devastating effect – a ruinous consequence
devastating blow – a strike that causes severe damage or setback
🔄 Synonyms
catastrophic (adj.) – involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
ruinous (adj.) – causing great and usually irreparable damage.
calamitous (adj.) – involving calamity; catastrophic or disastrous.
🚫 Antonyms
harmless (adj.) – not able or likely to cause harm.
beneficial (adj.) – resulting in good; favorable or advantageous.
🌱 Derivatives
devastate (v.) – to destroy or ruin something completely.
devastation (n.) – great destruction or damage.
devastated (adj.) – completely destroyed or overwhelmed.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'devastate' entered English in the 17th century, originally describing the literal, total destruction wrought by war or natural disaster. Its root 'vastare' (to lay waste) connects to 'vastus' meaning empty or desolate, perfectly capturing the aftermath.
Meaning 2：emotionally crushing (devastating)
devastating
/ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/
adj.
causing very strong feelings of sadness and shock.
emotionally crushing
➕
/ɪˈmoʊʃənəli ˈkrʌʃɪŋ/
adj.
Describing something that causes overwhelming emotional pain, sadness, or shock.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The news of her grandfather's passing was devastating to the whole family.
The news of her grandfather's passing was emotionally crushing to the whole family.
🔗 Collocations
devastating news – news that causes profound emotional distress
devastating loss – a loss that causes intense grief
devastating effect (on morale) – a severely damaging impact on spirit or confidence
🔄 Synonyms
heartbreaking (adj.) – causing overwhelming distress; very sad and upsetting.
traumatic (adj.) – deeply distressing or disturbing.
shattering (adj.) – causing someone to be extremely upset or shocked.
🚫 Antonyms
heartening (adj.) – making someone feel cheerful and encouraged.
comforting (adj.) – serving to alleviate a person's feelings of grief or distress.
🌱 Derivatives
devastate (v.) – to cause someone severe and overwhelming shock or grief.
devastation (n.) – a state of being overwhelmed with grief or shock.
devastated (adj.) – extremely upset and shocked.
Wordbook
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