English vocabulary · B2
Dismay
/dɪsˈmeɪ/ · n., v.
Dismay is a strong sad feeling when something bad happens that you did not expect. It can make you lose hope for a moment.
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Example sentences
- The news filled her with dismay.
- He watched in dismay as the plan failed.
Word origin and roots
- dis — completely (from Latin)
- may — power (from Germanic)
Synonyms and nuances
- ALARM — sudden fear or worry (Fear Of Trouble)
- DISTRESS — strong pain or worry (Pain And Worry)
- SHOCK — surprise from bad news (Sudden Strong Reaction)
Words with the same root
may — power
- may — be able or allowed
- might — great power or strength
Lesson notes
Dismay is a strong sad feeling when something bad happens that you did not expect. It can make you lose hope for a moment.
Related: alarm, distress, shock. Use dismay when bad news suddenly takes away hope.
The news filled her with dismay. He watched in dismay as the plan failed.
From Latin, dis- means completely. From Germanic, may means power. Dismay takes your hope.