Basic Details
Word: Dismay
Part of Speech: Noun & Verb
Meaning: A feeling of disappointment or worry caused by something unexpected.
Synonyms: Shock, distress, disappointment
Antonyms: Calm, joy, confidence
Idioms and Phrases
- In dismay: To be shocked or worried about something. Example: "She watched in dismay as the storm ruined the picnic."
- To one's dismay: When something happens that causes surprise and concern. Example: "To his dismay, he discovered he had lost his favourite book."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The students were filled with dismay when they learned that the school trip had been cancelled.
Example 2: She looked at the messy room in dismay, wondering how it had gotten so cluttered.
Example 3: His dismay was evident when he found out he had missed the train by just a few minutes.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the word "dismay" comes from the Old French word *esmaier*, which means "to frighten" or "to astound". This shows that the feeling of dismay has always been associated with surprise and worry.
Famous Quote
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude." William James - This quote reminds us that while feelings of dismay can often feel overwhelming, changing our perspective can help us cope better.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dismay" mean?
a) A feeling of joy
b) A feeling of disappointment
c) A type of food
d) A kind of animal
Answer: b) A feeling of disappointment
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dismay"?
a) Happiness
b) Shock
c) Pleasure
d) Excitement
Answer: b) Shock
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "dismay"?
a) Distress
b) Joy
c) Alarm
d) Surprise
Answer: b) Joy
4. Which sentence uses "dismay" correctly?
a) She was filled with dismay when she saw the surprise party.
b) He was dismaying in the playground.
c) The dismay of the game was very exciting.
d) They danced with dismay at the celebration.
Answer: a) She was filled with dismay when she saw the surprise party.
5. What does the phrase "to one's dismay" mean?
a) Happily surprising someone
b) To make someone very happy
c) To cause shock and worry to someone
d) To be uninterested
Answer: c) To cause shock and worry to someone
