Desolate



GRE Barron TOEFL 考研

解释

GRE 红宝书

• adj. 荒凉的, 被遗弃的
• ［英］ adj. 荒凉的, 被遗弃的 ( left alone; solitary; deserted)
• ［记］ de+sol ( 孤独) +ate -> 变得孤独 -> 被遗弃的;
• ［同］ 参考: solitude ( 孤独) ;solo ( 独唱) 派生词: desolation（n. 遗弃, 荒凉; 孤寂, 凄凉）

Webster Collegiate

I. adjective

• Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone
• Date: 14th century
• 1. devoid of inhabitants and visitors ; deserted
• 2. joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one <a desolate widow>
• 3.
  • a. showing the effects of abandonment and neglect ; dilapidated <a desolate old house>
  • b. barren, lifeless <a desolate landscape>
  • c. devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope ; gloomy <desolate memories>
• Synonyms: see alone, dismal
• ? desolately adverb
• ? desolateness noun

II. transitive verb (-lated; -lating)

• Date: 14th century
• to make desolate:
  • a. to deprive of inhabitants
  • b. to lay waste
  • c. forsake
  • d. to make wretched
• ? desolater or desolator noun
• ? desolatingly adverb

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