The prefix of the word despair is de-.
Understanding the Prefix 'de-' in Despair
The word despair originates from the Latin term desperare, which means "to be without hope." This etymology clearly illustrates the function of its prefix.
- Prefix: The element de- signifies "without" or "away from."
- Root: The root sperare means "to hope," deriving from spes, which also means "hope."
When combined, de- and sperare form desperare, literally meaning "without hope." This foundational meaning is directly carried into the modern English word despair, which defines a state where all hope is absent or lost.
Common Meanings of the Prefix 'de-'
The prefix de- is versatile in English, often conveying meanings of:
- Reversal or negation: As seen in despair, it indicates the absence of something (hope).
- Removal or separation: For example, deactivate (to remove activity).
- Downward movement: Such as in descend (to move downwards).
Examples of Words with the Prefix 'de-'
Understanding how de- functions in despair can be further illuminated by examining its use in other words:
- Deconstruct: To break down into its constituent parts.
- Decay: To undergo decomposition; to rot.
- Deflate: To release air or gas from something, causing it to become smaller.
- Demote: To reduce to a lower grade or rank.
These examples highlight how the prefix de- consistently indicates a sense of undoing, removal, or a negative state, mirroring its role in the formation and meaning of despair.
For more definitions and meanings related to the word, you can explore resources like Despair - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms.
