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A2 verb 9 min read

desolar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips desolar in 30 Seconds

Explanation desolar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the verb 'desolar' actively. However, you might see its relative, the adjective 'desolado' (very sad). Think of it as a much stronger version of 'triste' (sad). If you are 'triste', you might need a hug. If you are 'desolado', you feel like your world has fallen apart. Just remember it starts with 'des-', which often means something is being taken away—in this case, your happiness.

At the A2 level, you can begin to understand 'desolar' as a verb that means 'to make someone very sad'. You can use it in simple sentences like 'A notícia desolou o homem' (The news desolated the man). It's also used for places. If a place is 'desolado', it's empty and lonely. It's a useful word to know when reading simple stories or watching the news about big events like storms or fires.

For B1 learners, 'desolar' becomes a tool for more expressive storytelling. You should be able to conjugate it in the past tense (desolou, desolaram) to describe the impact of events. You start to see the difference between 'destruir' (to destroy a thing) and 'desolar' (to destroy the spirit of a place or person). It's common in the passive voice: 'Eles foram desolados pela tragédia'.

At the B2 level, you should use 'desolar' to discuss abstract concepts and social issues. You might talk about how 'a falta de investimento pode desolar uma comunidade' (lack of investment can desolate a community). You should also be comfortable with the noun form 'desolação'. You can recognize the word in literature and understand its dramatic weight, using it to add emphasis to your own formal writing or serious discussions.

C1 learners should appreciate the poetic and historical nuances of 'desolar'. You can use it to describe the existential state of characters in complex texts. You understand that 'desolar' carries a sense of 'leaving someone alone in their grief' (from its Latin roots). You can use it metaphorically, such as 'desolar um argumento' (to devastate an argument), although this is more creative usage. Your vocabulary should distinguish between 'desolar', 'consternar', and 'afligir'.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'desolar'. You can use it in all its forms, including rare literary tenses. You might use it in philosophical debates about the 'desolação' of modern life or in high-level literary analysis. You understand the subtle shift in meaning over centuries and can use the word to evoke specific emotional atmospheres in your own creative or academic writing, perfectly matching the register of your audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

desolar in 30 Seconds

Desolar is a powerful Portuguese verb meaning to devastate or cause extreme sadness.
It works for both physical places (ruined cities) and emotional states (broken hearts).
It is a regular -ar verb, but carries a very formal and heavy tone.
The adjective form 'desolado' is very common for saying 'I am devastated'.

The Portuguese verb desolar is a powerful, evocative word that operates on two primary planes: the physical and the emotional. At its core, it means to lay waste to a place, to devastate, or to leave something in a state of ruin. However, in contemporary usage, it is most frequently encountered in its emotional sense, describing the act of making someone feel utterly wretched, heartbroken, or profoundly distressed. When you use desolar, you are not just saying someone is 'sad'; you are suggesting a level of grief that is consuming and hollow, much like a landscape that has been razed to the ground. This dual nature makes it a favorite in literature, news reporting on disasters, and deeply personal conversations about loss.

Physical Destruction: To ruin or devastate a location, often used in historical or environmental contexts. A drought can desolar a region, leaving it barren and uninhabitable.
Emotional Distress: To cause profound grief or misery. Hearing bad news about a loved one can desolar a person's spirit, leaving them feeling empty and hopeless.

A notícia da perda de sua casa veio para desolar o que restava de sua esperança.

In terms of frequency, you will find that the past participle, desolado (desolated/devastated), is used much more often as an adjective than the verb itself is used in active conjugation. For instance, 'Estou desolado' (I am devastated) is a common expression of deep sorrow. The verb implies an external force or event that causes this state. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually acts upon an object—be it a person, a heart, or a city. Understanding desolar requires recognizing that it sits at the high end of the emotional spectrum, far beyond simple words like 'triste' (sad) or 'chateado' (upset).

As constantes guerras continuam a desolar as pequenas vilas da fronteira.

Formal Register: The verb is often found in formal writing, poetry, and classical literature to convey high drama or tragedy.

Historically, the word comes from the Latin 'desolare', which literally means 'to leave alone'. This etymological root is crucial because it highlights the feeling of isolation that comes with devastation. When a storm desolates a coastline, that coastline is left stripped and alone. When grief desolates a person, they often feel isolated in their pain. Use this word when you want to emphasize the totalizing nature of a negative experience.

Não deixe que a amargura venha desolar o seu coração.

Finally, consider the environmental context. Scientists might talk about how deforestation will 'desolar' an ecosystem. This usage bridges the gap between the physical and the systemic, showing that 'desolar' is about the destruction of the very foundations of life and happiness. It is a word of gravity and weight.

Using desolar correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb. It requires an agent (the cause) and an object (the victim or place). Because it is a regular -ar verb, its conjugation is straightforward, but its application requires a certain level of emotional maturity in the conversation. It is rarely used for trivial matters.

Active Voice: The storm desolated the city. (A tempestade desolou a cidade.) Here, the storm is the active force.
Passive Voice: The family was desolated by the news. (A família foi desolada pela notícia.) This focuses on the state of the victims.

O incêndio desolou hectares de floresta nativa em poucos dias.

When talking about emotions, desolar often appears in the infinitive after auxiliary verbs like 'vir' (to come) or 'poder' (can/might). For example, 'Isso pode desolar qualquer um' (That could devastate anyone). It adds a layer of potentiality and depth. It is also common in the gerund form 'desolando' to describe an ongoing process of destruction or spreading sadness.

A solidão começou a desolar seus pensamentos durante as longas noites.

In literature, you might see the verb used reflexively, though it is less common: 'desolar-se'. This would mean 'to become desolated' or 'to give oneself over to grief'. However, the standard transitive use is much more prevalent in modern Portuguese. If you want to say you are feeling this way, you would almost always use the adjective form with the verb 'estar' (to be): 'Estou desolado'.

Nada parece desolar mais um pai do que a distância de seus filhos.

Common Objects: Common objects of the verb include: o coração (the heart), a alma (the soul), a região (the region), a família (the family), and a esperança (hope).

To sound more natural, use 'desolar' when describing the impact of major life events—death, financial ruin, or catastrophic environmental changes. Using it for minor inconveniences (like losing your keys) would sound overly dramatic or sarcastic, which is a nuance to keep in mind for social interactions.

You are most likely to encounter desolar in specific high-gravity contexts. It is not a word of the 'boteco' or casual street talk, but rather a word of the evening news, the pulpit, or the pages of a classic novel. Understanding these contexts helps you gauge the 'weight' of the word.

News Media: Journalists use 'desolar' to describe the aftermath of natural disasters. 'O furacão desolou a costa' (The hurricane desolated the coast). It conveys the scale of the tragedy effectively.
Literature and Poetry: Portuguese and Brazilian literature is rich with melancholic themes (Saudade). Authors like Machado de Assis or Fernando Pessoa might use 'desolar' to describe the existential emptiness of their characters.

Ao ver as ruínas de sua infância, o homem sentiu a tristeza desolar seu espírito.

In religious or spiritual contexts, 'desolar' is often used to describe the state of a soul apart from grace or the destruction mentioned in biblical prophecies. If you attend a Catholic mass in Portugal or Brazil, you might hear it in sermons discussing the 'desolation' of the world. This gives the word a slightly archaic, solemn feel that persists even in modern usage.

A seca prolongada ameaça desolar toda a produção agrícola do Nordeste.

In cinema, especially in dramas or historical epics, dialogue often employs 'desolar' to emphasize the stakes. A character might say, 'Não me desole com essas palavras' (Do not devastate me with those words). It is a way to signal that the information being shared is life-altering. While you won't hear it every day, when you do hear it, you know the situation is serious.

O documentário mostra como a guerra pode desolar gerações inteiras.

Academic Contexts: In sociology or history lectures, it describes the impact of plagues or economic collapses on populations.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is confusing desolar with similar-sounding words or using it in the wrong register. Because it sounds like 'isolate' (isolar) or 'solar' (related to the sun), beginners often trip up.

Desolar vs. Isolar: 'Isolar' means to isolate or insulate. 'Desolar' means to devastate. While devastation can lead to isolation, they are not interchangeable.
Overuse in Casual Situations: Using 'desolar' because you missed a bus is a mistake of register. It makes you sound like a tragic character in a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'chatear' or 'ficar triste' for small things.

Errado: A chuva desolou meu piquenique. (Too dramatic unless the picnic was your life's work!)

Another mistake is failing to use the correct preposition when the verb is used in the passive voice. In Portuguese, we use 'por' (by). 'Fui desolado *pela* notícia' (I was desolated *by* the news). Some learners might try to use 'com' (with), which is less common in this specific construction.

Correto: A perda do emprego o desolou completamente.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'desolar' with 'descolorar' (to discolor/bleach). While both imply a loss of something (life/color), they are completely different actions. Always remember that 'desolar' is about 'solitude' and 'waste'.

Spelling Note: Make sure not to add an extra 's'. It is 'desolar', not 'dessolar'. The single 's' between vowels in Portuguese sounds like a 'z', which is the correct pronunciation here: [de-zo-lar].

Finally, don't forget that 'desolar' is a transitive verb. You can't just say 'Eu desolo' without context. You desolar *something* or *someone*. If you want to describe your own state, use 'Estou desolado'. This is perhaps the most frequent 'mistake'—using the verb form when the adjective form is what was actually intended.

Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for sadness and destruction. Choosing the right alternative to desolar depends on whether you are talking about a physical place or an emotional state, and how intense that state is.

Devastar: This is the closest synonym. It is used for both physical and emotional contexts. 'Devastar' feels slightly more modern and is very common in news headlines.
Arrasar: Literally 'to level to the ground'. In Brazil, it's used for total destruction, but also as slang for 'to do something amazingly'. Context is key here!
Angustiar: Focuses on the feeling of 'angústia' (anguish/anxiety). It's more about the tightening of the chest and less about the 'emptiness' of desolation.

Enquanto desolar implica um vazio, 'afligir' implica uma dor ativa e persistente.

If you find 'desolar' too strong, you might use 'entristecer' (to make sad) or 'abater' (to cast down/discourage). 'Abater' is particularly useful when someone's energy or spirits have been lowered by a situation, but they aren't necessarily 'devastated'.

A praga pode desolar a plantação, mas o agricultor não se deixa 'abater'.

Consternar: A very formal synonym meaning to cause consternation or shock. Use this in official statements or very formal writing.

In summary, use 'desolar' for poetic, heavy, or catastrophic contexts. Use 'devastar' for general high-intensity destruction. Use 'arrasar' for physical leveling or Brazilian slang. Use 'entristecer' for everyday sadness. Understanding these shades of meaning will make your Portuguese sound much more sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A política de austeridade ameaça desolar as instituições públicas."

Neutral

"O temporal desolou as plantações de café."

Informal

"Fiquei desolado quando meu time perdeu."

Child friendly

"O gigante ficou desolado quando seu jardim murchou."

Slang

"N/A - This word is too formal for slang; 'Arrasar' is used instead."

Fun Fact

The root 'solus' (alone) is the same as in 'solitude' and 'solo'. So, to 'desolate' something is literally to leave it 'all alone' in its ruin.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.zo.ˈlaɾ/

US /de.zo.ˈlaɹ/

The stress is on the last syllable: de-zo-LAR.

Rhymes With

Falar Cantar Amar Lugar Olhar Mar Pensar Estar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' like 'ss' (de-so-lar) instead of 'z'.
Thinking it sounds like 'solar' (sun) and stressing the wrong part.
Confusing it with 'isolar' (isolate).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, easy to recognize if you know 'devastate'.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowing the right register to not sound overly dramatic.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of 's' as 'z' is key.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Triste Destruir Sozinho Lugar Notícia

Learn Next

Assolar Consternar Angústia Ruína Vazio

Advanced

Ermo Inóspito Melancolia Depauperar Exterminar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the Preterite.

Eu desolei, você desolou, nós desolamos.

Passive Voice with 'Ser'.

A cidade foi desolada pela tempestade.

Adjective agreement (gender/number).

Eles estão desolados; Elas estão desoladas.

Use of 'por' to indicate the agent of desolation.

Desolado por problemas financeiros.

Transitive vs. Intransitive (usually transitive).

O fogo desolou a mata. (Transitive)

Examples by Level

Ele está muito desolado hoje.

He is very desolated today.

Desolado is an adjective here.

A notícia foi triste e o desolou.

The news was sad and desolated him.

Desolou is the past tense of desolar.

Não fique desolada, tudo vai passar.

Don't be desolated, everything will pass.

Desolada is feminine because it refers to a woman.

O deserto é um lugar desolado.

The desert is a desolated place.

Used to describe an empty place.

A casa vazia parece desolar a rua.

The empty house seems to desolate the street.

Infinitive form after 'parece'.

Eu me sinto desolado sem você.

I feel desolated without you.

Expressing deep personal sadness.

A chuva forte pode desolar o jardim.

The heavy rain can desolate the garden.

Using 'pode' + infinitive.

O menino chorou, estava desolado.

The boy cried, he was desolated.

Showing intense emotion.

O incêndio desolou a pequena vila.

The fire desolated the small village.

Transitive use with a physical object.

A morte do cão desolou a criança.

The death of the dog desolated the child.

Subject is 'A morte'.

Eles ficaram desolados com o resultado.

They were desolated with the result.

Ficar + adjective describes a change in state.

A guerra desola muitos países.

War desolates many countries.

Present tense showing a general fact.

O campo ficou desolado após a seca.

The field became desolated after the drought.

Past participle used as an adjective.

Ela não queria desolar os pais com a verdade.

She didn't want to desolate her parents with the truth.

Negative infinitive construction.

O abandono desolou o prédio antigo.

Abandonment desolated the old building.

Abstract subject causing physical ruin.

Vimos uma paisagem desolada na viagem.

We saw a desolated landscape on the trip.

Adjective modifying 'paisagem'.

A região foi desolada por inundações terríveis.

The region was desolated by terrible floods.

Passive voice: 'foi desolada por'.

Sua partida repentina desolou a todos na empresa.

His sudden departure desolated everyone at the company.

Transitive use with a group of people.

É triste ver como a ganância pode desolar a natureza.

It's sad to see how greed can desolate nature.

Infinitive after 'pode'.

O autor descreve um mundo desolado pelo tempo.

The author describes a world desolated by time.

Metaphorical use of 'desolado'.

A notícia da falência desolou os investidores.

The news of the bankruptcy desolated the investors.

Specific professional context.

Ela se sentia desolada, sem rumo na vida.

She felt desolated, without direction in life.

Reflexive feeling + adjective.

O terremoto desolou a infraestrutura da cidade.

The earthquake desolated the city's infrastructure.

Focus on physical systems.

Nada o desolava mais do que a injustiça.

Nothing desolated him more than injustice.

Imperfect tense for a habitual feeling.

A crise econômica desolou as esperanças da juventude.

The economic crisis desolated the hopes of the youth.

Abstract object: 'esperanças'.

O documentário mostrava comunidades desoladas pela fome.

The documentary showed communities desolated by hunger.

Adjective modifying 'comunidades'.

A perda de sua obra-prima desolou o artista plástico.

The loss of his masterpiece desolated the visual artist.

Subject is 'A perda'.

A solidão pode desolar a mente se não tivermos cuidado.

Solitude can desolate the mind if we aren't careful.

Psychological context.

Vários vilarejos foram desolados durante a invasão.

Several villages were desolated during the invasion.

Plural passive voice.

A traição desolou a confiança que existia entre eles.

The betrayal desolated the trust that existed between them.

Abstract object: 'confiança'.

O cenário desolado serviu de inspiração para o poeta.

The desolated scenery served as inspiration for the poet.

Adjective used as a noun phrase.

Eles temiam que a nova lei viesse a desolar o setor.

They feared the new law would come to desolate the sector.

Subjunctive mood 'viesse a'.

A melancolia parecia desolar cada canto daquela mansão.

Melancholy seemed to desolate every corner of that mansion.

Poetic/Literary personification of melancholy.

A ausência de respostas começou a desolar seu espírito inquieto.

The absence of answers began to desolate his restless spirit.

Introspective usage.

O filósofo discorre sobre como o niilismo pode desolar a sociedade.

The philosopher discourses on how nihilism can desolate society.

Academic/Philosophical context.

A paisagem urbana, desolada e cinzenta, refletia seu humor.

The urban landscape, desolated and gray, reflected his mood.

Appositive adjectives.

A crítica mordaz desolou o jovem escritor em sua estreia.

The scathing criticism desolated the young writer on his debut.

Intense emotional impact in a professional setting.

Não se deve permitir que o luto venha desolar toda a existência.

One must not allow grief to come and desolate one's entire existence.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

O vento gélido desolava a planície russa durante o inverno.

The icy wind desolated the Russian plain during winter.

Imperfect tense for environmental description.

A desolação que se seguiu à guerra foi indescritível.

The desolation that followed the war was indescribable.

Noun form 'desolação'.

A erosão cultural ameaça desolar a identidade dos povos nativos.

Cultural erosion threatens to desolate the identity of native peoples.

Sociological/Anthropological context.

Sua alma, desolada por séculos de espera, clamava por paz.

His soul, desolated by centuries of waiting, cried out for peace.

High literary/Fantasy register.

O colapso dos valores morais desolou o tecido social da nação.

The collapse of moral values desolated the social fabric of the nation.

Complex abstract metaphor.

A tragédia grega frequentemente busca desolar o espectador para purificá-lo.

Greek tragedy often seeks to desolate the spectator to purify them.

Discussion of Catharsis.

A vastidão do cosmos pode desolar quem se sente pequeno perante o infinito.

The vastness of the cosmos can desolate those who feel small before the infinite.

Existential/Scientific context.

O abandono estatal desolou as periferias, deixando-as à própria sorte.

State abandonment desolated the outskirts, leaving them to their own fate.

Political critique.

A retórica do ódio visa desolar o diálogo democrático.

The rhetoric of hate aims to desolate democratic dialogue.

Metaphorical destruction of a process.

O tempo, esse escultor implacável, acaba por desolar toda beleza física.

Time, that relentless sculptor, ends up desolating all physical beauty.

Philosophical personification of Time.

Common Collocations

Desolar o coração

Desolar a alma

Desolar uma região

Desolar a família

Desolar as esperanças

Desolar completamente

Desolar a paisagem

Vir a desolar

Desolar o espírito

Desolar o mundo

Common Phrases

Ficar desolado

— To become/be devastated.

Fiquei desolado com o que vi.

Cenário desolado

— A scene of devastation or emptiness.

O cenário desolado após a guerra era triste.

Olhar desolado

— A look of total despair.

Ele me deu um olhar desolado.

Sentir-se desolado

— To feel utterly wretched.

Sinto-me desolado sem meu melhor amigo.

Deixar desolado

— To leave someone devastated.

A notícia deixou o pai desolado.

Voz desolada

— A voice that sounds full of grief.

Ela falou com uma voz desolada ao telefone.

Coração desolado

— A broken/devastated heart.

Um coração desolado demora a curar.

Terra desolada

— Waste land / barren land.

Caminharam por uma terra desolada.

Solidão desoladora

— A devastating loneliness.

Vivia em uma solidão desoladora.

Notícia desoladora

— Devastating news.

Recebemos uma notícia desoladora hoje.

Often Confused With

desolar vs Isolar

Means to isolate. Sound similar but meaning is different.

desolar vs Assolar

Very similar; 'assolar' is often used for plagues or disasters attacking a place.

desolar vs Descolorar

Means to bleach/lose color. Only sounds slightly similar.

Idioms & Expressions

"Desolar o deserto"

— To make something already bad even worse (rare/poetic).

Sua amargura parecia desolar o deserto.

Literary

"Deixar em terra desolada"

— To leave someone with nothing or in a hopeless state.

A empresa faliu e deixou os funcionários em terra desolada.

Metaphorical

"Desolar o próprio ninho"

— To destroy one's own home or foundation.

Com suas brigas, ele acabou por desolar o próprio ninho.

Figurative

"Vento que desola"

— A force that brings ruin.

A corrupção é o vento que desola o país.

Poetic

"Desolar a última esperança"

— To destroy the very last bit of hope.

O silêncio dele veio desolar a última esperança dela.

Dramatic

"Alma em desolação"

— A soul in a state of total despair.

Vivia com a alma em desolação desde o acidente.

Religious/Poetic

"Desolar o jardim de alguém"

— To ruin someone's happiness or peace.

Não venha desolar o meu jardim com seus problemas.

Metaphorical

"Grito que desola"

— A cry so sad it breaks the heart of those who hear it.

Ouviu-se um grito que desolava a noite.

Literary

"Desolar o futuro"

— To ruin the prospects of what is to come.

Decisões erradas podem desolar o futuro de uma criança.

Serious

"Desolar o silêncio"

— To break a peaceful silence with something terrible.

O tiro veio desolar o silêncio da madrugada.

Dramatic

Easily Confused

desolar vs Assolar

They both describe devastation.

'Assolar' usually implies a scourge, plague, or repetitive attack (like a storm hitting a coast). 'Desolar' focuses on the resulting emptiness and grief.

A peste assolou a Europa; A notícia desolou o povo.

desolar vs Devastar

Synonyms.

'Devastar' is more common in modern speech and news. 'Desolar' is more poetic and emotional.

O exército devastou a terra; O luto desolou sua alma.

desolar vs Arrasar

Physical destruction.

'Arrasar' is more about leveling things to the ground. In Brazil, it has a positive slang meaning, which 'desolar' never has.

O trator arrasou a casa; Ela arrasou na festa!

desolar vs Consternar

Emotional impact.

'Consternar' is about shock and dismay. 'Desolar' is about deep, empty sadness.

A notícia consternou a todos.

desolar vs Afligir

Negative emotion.

'Afligir' is about suffering or worrying. 'Desolar' is about being destroyed by sadness.

A dúvida aflige o coração.

Sentence Patterns

Substantivo + desolou + Substantivo

A chuva desolou o campo.

Pessoa + ficou + desolada + com + Substantivo

Ela ficou desolada com a carta.

Substantivo + foi + desolado + por + Substantivo

O bairro foi desolado pelo fogo.

Nada + desola + mais + que + Substantivo

Nada desola mais que a solidão.

Poder + desolar + o/a + Substantivo

Isso pode desolar a economia.

Cenário + desolado + de + Substantivo

Um cenário desolado de ruínas.

Vir a + desolar

A morte do rei veio a desolar o povo.

Desolar + o + tecido social/identidade

A guerra desolou o tecido social.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Medium (Common in specific contexts like news/literature).

Common Mistakes

Using 'desolar' for minor sadness. → Using 'entristecer' or 'chatear'.
'Desolar' is for extreme, life-altering grief.
Pronouncing 'desolar' with an 's' sound. → Pronouncing it with a 'z' sound.
In Portuguese, 's' between vowels sounds like 'z'.
Thinking 'desolar' means 'to isolate'. → Using 'isolar' for isolation.
They sound similar but are distinct words.
Confusing it with 'solar' (sun). → Using 'ensolarado' for sunny.
There is no semantic connection to the sun.
Using 'desolar' as an intransitive verb. → Providing an object or using the passive.
You must desolar *something*.

Tips

The Passive Voice

Practice the passive: 'A cidade foi desolada'. This is a very common way to see the word in news.

Adjective Power

Learn 'desolado' first, as you will hear it more often than the verb itself.

The 'Z' Sound

Remember the 's' is a 'z' sound. 'De-zo-lar'. This makes you sound much more native.

Poetic Writing

In creative writing, use 'desolar' to describe an empty, sad atmosphere.

Fado Themes

If you like Fado, look for this word in lyrics to understand the Portuguese sense of 'desolação'.

Not the Sun

Never use 'desolar' when you mean 'sunbathe' or 'sunny'. It's strictly about devastation.

Desolar vs Devastar

Use 'desolar' for the *feeling* of ruin and 'devastar' for the *act* of ruin.

Lonely Soul

Remember: Desolar = De-Solo (Away from Soul/Alone).

News Headlines

Watch for this word in headlines about hurricanes or wars.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DE-SOLAR'. If you take the 'SOL' (sun/light) away, you are left in the dark and 'DESOLATED'.

Visual Association

Imagine a lonely tree in a cracked, dry desert. That landscape is 'desolado'.

Word Web

Tristeza Vazio Ruína Guerra Luto Solidão Devastação Abandono

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using 'desolar' for a place and 'desolado' for a person in the same paragraph.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'desolare'.

Original meaning: To leave alone, to make solitary.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

This is a very strong word. Avoid using it lightly or in joking contexts unless you are sure the audience understands the sarcasm.

English speakers might use 'devastate' more often in casual speech than Portuguese speakers use 'desolar'.

The 'Abominação da Desolação' (Abomination of Desolation) in biblical texts. Fernando Pessoa's poems often evoke a sense of desolação. News reports on the Amazon fires often use 'desolar'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Natural Disasters

Desolar a costa
Desolar a vila
Desolar as colheitas
Cenário desolador

Personal Loss

Desolar o coração
Ficar desolado
Sentir-se desolado
Notícia que desola

War and Conflict

Desolar o país
Cidades desoladas
População desolada
Guerra que desola

Literature/Poetry

Alma desolada
Espírito desolado
Vazio que desola
Solidão desoladora

Economic Crisis

Desolar a economia
Setores desolados
Famílias desoladas
Crise desoladora

Conversation Starters

"Você já se sentiu desolado por causa de um filme ou livro?"

"Como podemos ajudar alguém que está se sentindo desolado?"

"Você acha que as notícias hoje em dia tentam nos desolar?"

"Qual é o lugar mais desolado que você já visitou?"

"O que pode desolar a esperança de uma pessoa?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que uma notícia o desolou e como você superou isso.

Escreva sobre uma paisagem desolada que você viu e o que sentiu.

Como a palavra 'desolar' se diferencia de apenas 'ficar triste' para você?

Reflita sobre como a arte pode transformar a desolação em algo bonito.

Imagine um mundo desolado por uma catástrofe; como seria o primeiro dia da reconstrução?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it's too strong. Using it for a broken phone would sound very dramatic or funny. Use 'chatear' or 'ficar triste' instead.

Yes, the adjective form 'desolado' (devastated) is used much more frequently in daily conversation to describe how someone feels.

No. Although 'sol' means sun, 'desolar' comes from 'solus' (alone). It's about being left alone in ruin.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, though 'devastar' or 'arrasar' might be more common in casual Brazilian speech.

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation pattern (like 'falar').

The noun form is 'desolação' (desolation).

It can ('desolar-se'), but it is very rare. Usually, we use 'ficar desolado'.

Yes, it is an adjective meaning 'devastating' or 'bleak'. Example: 'Um cenário desolador'.

Words like 'consolar' (to comfort) or 'restaurar' (to restore) are good opposites.

Absolutely. It is very common to describe how drought or pollution desolates a landscape.