What is deserted? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of deserted

desertedadjective

/dɪˈzəːtɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of deserted

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deserted." Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The Basic Pronunciation:

  • dez-ERT-ed

Let's look at each syllable:

  1. dez: Pronounced like "deez" (as in "bees") - short and quick.
  2. ERT: This is the key part. The "er" sound is like the "er" in "her" or "fear." It's a slightly emphasized syllable.
  3. ed: Pronounced like the "ed" in "bed" or "red."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("ERT").
  • Don't say "de-zert." The "z" sound doesn't make an appearance.
  • The "er" sound: Focus on a clear, distinct "er" sound for that second syllable.

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google it: Search "how to pronounce deserted" on Google and you'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/deserted/ – Forvo is a website where native speakers pronounce words.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word deserted in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deserted" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Desolate/Abandoned):

This is the most common usage. "Deserted" describes something that is empty, abandoned, and often bleak or lonely.

  • Examples:
    • "The deserted beach stretched out before us, empty except for the crashing waves." (Empty, lacking people)
    • "The deserted farmhouse stood on a hill, a silent testament to a forgotten family." (Abandoned, no longer occupied)
    • "After the storm, the road was deserted by all traffic." (Empty, no vehicles)
    • "A deserted island – a paradise lost." (Suggests a beautiful, but now unused, place)

2. As a Verb (To Abandon):

"Deserted" can also be a verb, meaning to abandon someone or something, often in a sudden or dramatic way.

  • Examples:
    • "The soldiers deserted their post during the battle." (Left their duty)
    • "She deserted her husband and children and ran away with another man." (Abandoned a relationship)
    • "He deserted his responsibilities to pursue his dreams." (Stopped fulfilling obligations)
    • "The crew deserted the ship in the face of the massive storm." (Left the ship)

3. Figurative Usage (Emotional Abandonment):

Sometimes, "deserted" is used metaphorically to describe feeling emotionally abandoned or lonely.

  • Examples:
    • "I felt deserted by my friends when I was going through a difficult time." (Emotionally isolated)
    • “He felt deserted by his own conscience.” (Morally abandoned)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Tone: “Deserted” often carries a negative connotation, suggesting loss, sadness, or isolation.
  • Stronger Alternatives: Depending on the context, you might consider words like:
    • Abandoned: (More neutral, simply means left behind)
    • Vacant: (Specifically describes emptiness, like a room)
    • Isolated: (Focuses on remoteness)
    • Lonely: (Highlights the feeling of being alone)

Here's a quick table summarizing the usages:

Usage Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Adjective Empty, abandoned The deserted city was eerie.
Verb Verb To abandon He deserted his post.
Figurative Adjective/Verb Emotionally abandoned She felt deserted by her family.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

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Synonyms for the word deserted

Practice with vocabulary deserted

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the company declared bankruptcy, its once-bustling headquarters stood ______, with only dust and echoes remaining.
  2. Despite months of meticulous planning, the new online forum remained largely ______ by users, failing to gain any traction.
  3. The emergency services struggled to reach the stranded hikers due to the incredibly ______ terrain and lack of accessible roads.
  4. As the city went into lockdown, many public spaces, including parks and plazas, became eerily ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes a building that has been completely abandoned and left empty for a long time? a) occupied b) renovated c) desolate d) thriving e) forsaken

  2. If a once-popular tourist attraction now sees almost no visitors, it could be described as: a) vibrant b) lively c) bustling d) quiet e) uninhabited

  3. The old factory, with its broken windows and crumbling walls, appeared to be completely ______. a) maintained b) operational c) forgotten d) busy

  4. Which of these terms implies a feeling of loneliness or a place far removed from populated areas, often difficult to access? a) urban b) bustling c) remote d) accessible

  5. The antique shop across the street has been ______ for months; the "For Rent" sign is still in the window. a) filled b) rented c) vacant d) bustling

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The once-popular theme park had been completely abandoned by its owners, leaving it empty and decaying. (Rewrite using "deserted")
  2. The once-thriving marketplace was now completely empty, with no vendors or customers in sight. (Rewrite using "deserted")
  3. Due to its far-off location and difficult access, the research station received very few visitors. (Rewrite using a word that is not "deserted")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. After the company declared bankruptcy, its once-bustling headquarters stood deserted, with only dust and echoes remaining.
  2. Despite months of meticulous planning, the new online forum remained largely deserted by users, failing to gain any traction.
  3. The emergency services struggled to reach the stranded hikers due to the incredibly remote terrain and lack of accessible roads.
  4. As the city went into lockdown, many public spaces, including parks and plazas, became eerily vacant.

Exercise 2:

  1. c) desolate, e) forsaken (and in some contexts, 'deserted' if it were an option, implying abandonment and emptiness)
  2. d) quiet, e) uninhabited (also could be 'deserted' if it were an option)
  3. c) forgotten (could also be 'deserted' if it were an option, implying abandonment)
  4. c) remote
  5. c) vacant

Exercise 3:

  1. The once-popular theme park had been deserted by its owners, leaving it empty and decaying.
  2. The once-thriving marketplace was now deserted, with no vendors or customers in sight.
  3. Due to its isolated location and difficult access, the research station received very few visitors.

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