crestfallen — dejected and disappointed; sad and discouraged
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: dejected and disappointed; sad and discouraged
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkrɛstˌfɔlən/
Example Sentences
- The students looked crestfallen when the teacher announced a surprise test.
- She was crestfallen to discover that her favorite restaurant had closed down.
- The dog looked crestfallen when it realized the treat was just a carrot.
crestfallen
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkrɛstˌfɔlən/]
dejected and disappointed; sad and discouraged
He looked crestfallen after missing the final penalty kick.
Crestfallen by what has befallen, beside his downfallen banner
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the literal image of a bird with a fallen or drooping crest (the tuft of feathers on its head), used metaphorically since the 16th century to describe someone who has lost their proud bearing and appears defeated or dispirited.
Breakdown
crest (the tuft of feathers on a bird's head, or a symbol of pride) + fallen (past participle of fall, meaning lowered or diminished) = crestfallen (with one's pride or confidence diminished)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The students looked crestfallen when the teacher announced a surprise test.”
“She was crestfallen to discover that her favorite restaurant had closed down.”
“The dog looked crestfallen when it realized the treat was just a carrot.”
“His crestfallen demeanor revealed how much the rejection had hurt him.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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