forlorn

UK: fəˈlɔːn | US: fərˈlɔːrn

Definition

  1. adj. abandoned or lonely

  2. adj. pitifully sad or hopeless

  3. adj. (archaic) completely lost or destroyed

Structure
for <away>lorn <lost>
Etymology

The word "forlorn" originates from Old English forloren, the past participle of forlēosan ("to lose utterly"). The prefix for- intensifies the meaning (akin to "away" or "completely"), while lorn derives from Old English losian ("to perish"). Over time, lorn faded from common usage, but forlorn retained its sense of abandonment or despair. The word’s evolution reflects a shift from literal loss ("destroyed") to emotional desolation ("hopeless").

Examples

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