Word Comparison
Hope
vsDespair
/həʊp/·/dɪˈspɛə(ɹ)/
Similarity
0%
Quite different — distinct meanings
📖 Definitions
Hope
verbTo want something to happen, with a sense of expectation that it might.
Also: To be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes.
Despair
nounLoss of hope; utter hopelessness; complete despondency.
Also: That which causes despair.
🔄 Synonyms Compared
Despair
↔️ Antonyms Compared
💡 When to Use Each
Use “hope” when…
- ✦The meaning fits your exact context
- ✦You want a specific emotional tone
- ✦Explore more on the hope word page →
Use “despair” when…
- ✦The meaning fits your exact context
- ✦You want a specific emotional tone
- ✦Explore more on the despair word page →
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