Reading Theme:
Disappointed: Definition and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：disheartened (Disappointed)
Disappointed
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/
adj.
Feeling sad because something you hoped for did not happen or was not as good as expected.
disheartened
➕
/dɪsˈhɑːrtənd/
adj.
Feeling sad or let down because something did not meet your expectations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'dis-' (away) + 'appoint' (to set) + '-ed' meaning 'not set as expected'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'dis' (not) + 'appoint' (set a date) → not setting a date leads to letdown.
📖 Example
When the rain canceled our picnic, the children had a very disappointed look on their faces.
When the rain canceled our picnic, the children had a very disappointed look on their faces.
🔗 Collocations
deeply disappointed – very disappointed
disappointed with – feeling disappointment about something
disappointed at – feeling disappointment regarding a situation
🔄 Synonyms
let down (adj.) – Feeling disappointed because someone or something failed you.
saddened (adj.) – Made sad by an event.
downhearted (adj.) – Having lost hope or confidence.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
disappointment (n.) – The feeling of being disappointed.
disappointing (adj.) – Causing disappointment.
disappointedly (adv.) – In a disappointed manner.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Middle French 'desappointer' (to deprive of an appointment). In 15th century English, it evolved to mean 'fail to meet expectations', now common in daily speech.
Meaning 2：disappointing (Disappointed)
Disappointed
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/
adj.
Used to say that someone or something makes you feel disappointed.
disappointing
➕
/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/
adj.
Making you feel unhappy because something was not as good as you hoped.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I was disappointed with my exam results, even though I had studied very hard.
I was disappointed with my exam results, even though I had studied very hard.
🔗 Collocations
disappointed with – Feeling disappointment toward something.
disappointed in – Feeling disappointed about a person or thing.
disappointed at – Feeling disappointment about a specific situation.
🔄 Synonyms
unsatisfactory (adj.) – Not good enough to meet expectations.
displeasing (adj.) – Causing annoyance or dissatisfaction.
let-down (adj.) – Failing to meet hopes or standards.
🚫 Antonyms
satisfying (adj.) – Providing satisfaction.
pleasing (adj.) – Giving pleasure.
🌱 Derivatives
disappointingly (adv.) – In a way that causes disappointment.
disappointment (n.) – The feeling of being disappointed.
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