DESPAIRINGLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does despairingly mean? 

• DESPAIRINGLY (adverb)
  The adverb DESPAIRINGLY has 1 sense:

1. with desperation

  Familiarity information: DESPAIRINGLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DESPAIRINGLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With desperation

Synonyms:

despairingly; despondently

Context example:

'Why can't you understand?,' she asked despairingly

Pertainym:

despairing (arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope)

 Context examples 

I leaned despairingly over the rail, watching the trim little schooner swiftly increasing the bleak sweep of ocean between us.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

"What shall we do?" asked Dorothy despairingly.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

Down went Jo's face into the wet handkerchief, and she cried despairingly, for she had kept up bravely till now and never shed a tear.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Van Helsing stepped forward and drew the coverlet gently over her body, whilst Art, after looking at her face for an instant despairingly, ran out of the room.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

There Beth's voice gave way, and clinging to her sister, she cried so despairingly that Jo was frightened.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

You haven't a bit of proper pride, and never will learn when to hold your tongue and when to speak, said Amy despairingly.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

"Yes," sobbed Meg despairingly.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The straw seats of the car hovered on the edge of combustion; the woman next to me perspired delicately for a while into her white shirtwaist, and then, as her newspaper dampened under her fingers, lapsed despairingly into deep heat with a desolate cry.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)