Desanimado

Desanimado is an adjective used in Spanish (and Portuguese) to describe a state of discouragement or lack of enthusiasm. It can refer to a person who feels downcast or to a mood that is not lively. The form has gendered and plural variations: desanimado, desanimada, desanimados, desanimadas. It is commonly used to indicate temporary emotional states as well as more persistent attitudes.

Etymology and range of meaning: the word comes from the prefix des- plus animar (to encourage or enliven), literally meaning “without energy or spirit.” While primarily associated with discouragement, desanimado can also describe something that seems unappealing or lacking vitality, such as a desanimado paisaje or a desanimada idea.

Usage and context: in everyday language, it describes people, teams, plans, or situations that have lost momentum or motivation. It can be used in narratives, journalism, and conversation to convey a mood of defeat or fatigue. The term is closely related to desalentado, abatido, or desmotivado, but desanimado emphasizes a drop in spirit or enthusiasm rather than a complete loss of motivation.

In Portuguese, desanimado carries a similar meaning and is used in equivalent contexts to express discouragement or low spirits. Related forms and antonyms include animado, entusiasmado, and motivado. In English, desanimado is typically translated as discouraged or downcast.