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dismay — A feeling of distress and disappointment

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: A feeling of distress and disappointment

Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪsˈmeɪ/

Example Sentences

  • Much to his dismay, his superhero costume arrived in bright pink instead of black.
  • The students watched in dismay as their robot project fell apart during the competition.
  • To the cat's dismay, the can opener was broken and dinner was delayed.

dismay

NOUN

[/dɪsˈmeɪ/]

A feeling of distress and disappointment

The chef stares in dismay at the collapsed wedding cake minutes before the ceremony.
💡 Concept

The chef stares in dismay at the collapsed wedding cake minutes before the ceremony.

The delay made the flowers decay, filling her heart with dismay
🎵 Rhyme

The delay made the flowers decay, filling her heart with dismay

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪsˈmeɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪsˈmeɪ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixdis--
Rootmay

Origin

From Old French 'dismayer' meaning to dishearten or discourage. The prefix 'dis-' means to reverse or negate, combined with 'may' (from Germanic roots meaning power or ability), literally meaning to deprive of power or courage.

Breakdown

dis- (reverse, negate) + may (power, ability) = dismay (to deprive of courage or confidence)

🎵Rhyme

delay
display
betray
decay

🔗Collocations

to one's dismay
express dismay
growing dismay
dismay at
fill with dismay
much to my dismay

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Much to his dismay, his superhero costume arrived in bright pink instead of black.”

“The students watched in dismay as their robot project fell apart during the competition.”

😄 Fun example

“To the cat's dismay, the can opener was broken and dinner was delayed.”

“The coach's dismay was evident when half the team showed up late for practice.”

📚Related Words

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