Word of the Day

: June 25, 2009

desolate

adjective DESS-uh-lut

What It Means

1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : deserted

2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one

3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : dilapidated

b : barren, lifeless

c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : gloomy

desolate in Context

The landscape looks truly desolate in the winter, but when it blossoms in the spring, it can be surprisingly beautiful.

Did You Know?

Something that is desolate is literally or figuratively "abandoned," so you probably won't be surprised to learn that "desolate" has its roots in the Latin verb "desolare," meaning "to abandon." The Middle English word "desolat" comes from the past participle of "desolare," which in turn combines the prefix "de-" and the adjective "solus," meaning "alone." "Desolate" is not at all alone in this family of words. Some other familiar descendants of "solus" include "solitary," "sole," "solo," "solitude," and "soliloquy."