What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
despairingly
Example
She looked at the pile of work despairingly, wondering how she would ever finish it all. [despairingly: adverb]
Example
He spoke despairingly about the state of the world, feeling that there was no hope for change. [despairingly: adverb]
hopelessly
Example
The patient's condition was so severe that the doctors felt hopelessly unable to save him. [hopelessly: adverb]
Example
She stared hopelessly at the broken vase, knowing that it could not be repaired. [hopelessly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hopelessly is more commonly used than despairingly in everyday language. Hopelessly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while despairingly is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between despairingly and hopelessly?
Both despairingly and hopelessly are typically associated with a formal or literary tone, although they can be used in informal contexts as well.
