What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disperato
Example
Sono disperato per la situazione attuale. [disperato: adjective]
Example
L'uomo disperato ha chiesto aiuto alla polizia. [disperato: noun]
Example
Ho preso una decisione disperata per risolvere il problema. [disperata: feminine form of adjective]
hopeless
Example
The situation seems hopeless at this point. [hopeless: adjective]
Example
She felt hopeless and didn't know what to do. [hopeless: adjective]
Example
It's a hopeless cause, but we'll try our best anyway. [hopeless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hopeless is more commonly used than disperato in everyday English language. Hopeless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disperato is less common and is primarily used in Italian language and culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disperato and hopeless?
Both disperato and hopeless are generally considered informal and have negative connotations. However, disperato may be more formal when used as a noun in legal or official contexts in Italian language and culture.
