Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In a desponding manner; with dejection of spirits.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adverb In a desponding manner.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adverb In a desponding manner.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Camilla now joined them, affrighted at the evident anguish of Eugenia, who, leaning upon her affectionate bosom, had the relief excited by pity, of bursting into tears, while despondingly she uttered: 'All is over, my sister, and over for life with Eugenia!

    Camilla 2008

  • The youngest man present was not more active than the General in this service; but Mrs. Arlbery, casting herself despondingly back the moment she had tasted what he brought her, exclaimed, 'Why this is worst of all!

    Camilla 2008

  • ‘A many boys,’ observed Mr. Bumble, shaking his head, despondingly.

    Oliver Twist 2007

  • Then the rightful heir is discovered in prison, carefully holding a long chain in his hands, and seated despondingly in a large arm – chair; and the young lady comes in to two bars of soft music, and embraces the rightful heir; and then the wrongful heir comes in to two bars of quick music

    Sketches by Boz 2007

  • I descended this side of the hill as merrily as I had come up the other side despondingly.

    Wild Wales : Its People, Language and Scenery 2004

  • At length, taking each other despondingly by the hand, they went faltering from this fatal hall, indifferent which way they turned their steps; every portal opened at their approach; the

    The History of the Caliph Vathek 2004

  • “And what can I do in the wide world?” said I, despondingly.

    Lavengro 2004

  • “There is nought to be done,” answered Leicester, despondingly.

    Kenilworth 2004

  • “It is dark now,” said Clara, despondingly, looking out through the window upon the falling night; “I suppose I cannot send to-night.”

    Castle Richmond 2004

  • “But I suppose a man must work five years before he can earn anything,” said Herbert, still despondingly; for five years is a long time to an expectant lover.

    Castle Richmond 2004

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