Word: dismay

Associations

Dismay is a feeling of shock or disappointment. It often occurs when something unexpected happens that causes distress.

• Example 1: She looked at the test results with dismay. This shows her shock and sadness about the unexpected low score.
• Example 2: The sudden cancellation of the event filled the fans with dismay. The fans were deeply disappointed because they were looking forward to it.
• Example 3: He expressed dismay at the news of his friend's move. He felt sad and surprised because he did not expect his friend to leave.

A well-known synonym for dismay is "shock." However, "shock" often implies a stronger or more intense reaction, while "dismay" usually suggests disappointment mixed with a degree of sadness.

Substitution

Other words or phrases that can be used instead of "dismay" include:

• Surprise: This suggests an unexpected event but without the sadness.
• Disappointment: This focuses more on the feeling of being let down.
• Consternation: This implies confusion and anxiety, often more intense than dismay.

Each of these substitutes changes the nuance of the emotional response.

Deconstruction

The word "dismay" comes from the Old French word "desmaier," which means to lose courage.

• "Dis-" is a prefix meaning to reverse or remove.
• "May" relates to the idea of strength or courage.

Historically, it suggests losing strength in the face of something troubling.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt dismay? What caused that feeling?
• How might someone express dismay in a conversation?
• In what situations do you think people are most likely to feel dismay?