FeelingGuide

Dejected vs Despair

Dejected

negative emotion

Dejected refers to a state of feeling disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, often resulting from disappointment, loss, or a perceived failure. This emotional state is characterized by a sense of hopelessness and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Despair

negative emotion

Despair is a profound state of emotional suffering characterized by a sense of hopelessness and a lack of belief that positive outcomes or improvements in one's situation are possible. It often represents a culmination of feelings of sadness, frustration, and disillusionment, leading individuals to feel overwhelmed and unable to take action.

Key Differences

AspectDejectedDespair
Sentimentnegativenegative
Typeemotionemotion
NatureDejected tends to be destructive when it leads to chronic negative thought patterns and social withdrawal. However, it c...Despair tends to be more destructive, as it can lead to stagnation and a lack of proactive behavior. However, in some ca...

Dejected's Perspective

Dejected is commonly confused with sadness, though they are distinct. While sadness is a more general emotional response to loss or disappointment, dejected specifically implies a deeper sense of hopelessness and disheartenment that may linger over time.

Despair's Perspective

Despair is often confused with sadness; however, while sadness may be a temporary emotional state, despair tends to be more chronic and encompasses a deeper sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Sadness can also arise from specific events, whereas despair may not have an identifiable trigger and can feel more pervasive and all-encompassing.

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