What is dejected? Pronunciation and usage in English

dejected means . Learn how to pronounce and use dejected through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dejected

dejectedadjective

/dɪˈdʒektɪd//dɪˈdʒektɪd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dejected." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • de - as in "bed"
  • jec - rhymes with "neck"
  • ted - as in "tedious"

2. Sounds:

  • de: (dɪ) - A short, quick "d" sound followed by a short "i" as in "bit."
  • jec: (jɛk) - This is the trickiest part. It's a "j" sound as in "jump," followed by a short "e" as in "bed." Think of it as a quick, almost pinched "j" sound.
  • ted: (tɪd) - Again, a short "t" followed by a short "i" as in "bit."

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: di-jek-ted

4. A more fluent flow:

Try this: dee-jek-ted (with a slightly softer "d" at the beginning)

Resources to help you hear it:

Key Tip: The "j" sound in "jec" is often the stumbling block. Practice that sound separately.

Do you want me to:

  • Record myself saying it?
  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation (like the "j" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word dejected in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dejected." It's a wonderfully expressive word, but it’s important to use it correctly to convey its specific meaning.

1. Meaning of "Dejected"

"Dejected" describes a feeling of sadness, disappointment, and hopelessness. It goes beyond simple sadness; it suggests a feeling of being beaten down, losing spirit, and feeling defeated. It's often associated with a loss or setback.

2. How to Use It – Examples

Here's how you can incorporate "dejected" into sentences:

  • Describing a person's feelings:

    • "He looked utterly dejected after losing the game." (Focuses on his state of feeling)
    • "She was dejected by the criticism, and wouldn't talk about it for days." (Shows the result of the criticism)
    • “The team was dejected following their defeat, heads hanging low.” (Describes a collective feeling)

  • Describing appearance – often subtly:

    • “His shoulders slumped, and he appeared dejected.” (Connects feeling to posture)
    • “A shadow of sadness crossed her face, making her look dejected.” (Hints at emotional state) Note: using appearance is more nuanced - it should be paired with a description of why they look that way.

  • Figuratively (about situations):

    • "The project fell apart, and the team felt dejected." (Describes a situation causing a feeling of defeat)
    • “After the rain ruined his picnic, he was dejected.” (Picnic represents a plan, now ruined)

3. Key Nuances and Distinctions

  • Not just sad: "Sad" is a general term for unhappiness. "Dejected" is deeper – it implies a more profound sense of despair and a loss of confidence.

  • Related words: It’s often used alongside words like:

    • Disheartened: Similar to dejected, but perhaps a little less intense.
    • Discouraged: Feeling less motivated because of something that happened.
    • Downcast: Similar to dejected, focuses on a drooping appearance.
    • Melancholy: A more thoughtful, persistent sadness.

4. Example Paragraph Illustrating Usage:

"The news of the company's closure left the employees feeling utterly dejected. Many spent the following days in a quiet gloom, unable to shake the sense of disappointment and loss. Mark, in particular, looked dejected, his usual enthusiasm completely extinguished; he’d poured his heart into that project."

5. Tips for Using “Dejected” Effectively:

  • Context is crucial: Make sure the situation warrants the intensity of the word. It's not appropriate for minor disappointments.
  • Show, don't just tell: Instead of simply saying "He was dejected," describe how he looks or acts to convey the feeling (e.g., “He stared blankly at the ceiling, his shoulders slumped”).

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "dejected" in different contexts?
  • Compare "dejected" to another related word (like "disappointed")?
  • Help you build a sentence using "dejected," or perhaps a short paragraph?

Comment ()