Definition of the word downcast

Definition of the word downcast

Pronunciation of vocabulary downcast

downcastadjective
hạ cấp
/ˈdaʊnkɑːst//ˈdaʊnkæst/

Origin of the word downcast

The word "downcast" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "dūn" meaning "down" and "cēast" meaning "cast" or "thrown." Initially, it referred to a physical act of lowering something or being lowered, like a gaze or a head. Over time, the word evolved to describe a state of dejection or sadness, with the imagery of being "cast down" reflecting a depressed emotional state. The earliest recorded usage of "downcast" dates back to the 14th century. Its dual meaning of both physical and emotional lowering has persisted to this day, making it a versatile and expressive word in the English language.

Vocabulary summary downcast

type adjective

meaning bend down, look down

example with downcast eyes

meaning discouraged, dejected, disappointed

example never be downcast: never be discouraged or disappointed

type noun

meaning vent (in a mine) ((also) downcast shaft)

example with downcast eyes

Example of vocabulary downcastnamespace

looking down

nhìn xuống

Eyes downcast, she continued eating.
Đôi mắt cụp xuống, cô tiếp tục ăn.
She kept her eyes slightly downcast to avoid looking into their faces.
Cô hơi cúi mắt xuống để tránh nhìn vào mặt họ.
After receiving the bad news, she couldn't shake off the downcast expression on her face.
Sau khi nhận được tin xấu, cô không thể thoát khỏi vẻ mặt buồn bã.
The quiet mourning of the churchgoers was interrupted by a mournful downcast hymn.
Tiếng than khóc lặng lẽ của những người đi nhà thờ bị gián đoạn bởi một bài thánh ca buồn bã.
The grim weather added to the downcast mood of the residents as they walked through the empty streets.
Thời tiết u ám càng làm tăng thêm tâm trạng buồn bã của người dân khi họ đi qua những con phố vắng tanh.