down in the mouth

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Word: Down in the Mouth

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: The phrase "down in the mouth" describes someone who looks sad, unhappy, or discouraged. It often suggests that a person is feeling low in spirits or is experiencing feelings of melancholy.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "down in the mouth" to describe someone's appearance or mood. It is often used in informal contexts.
• This expression is usually used to convey empathy or to describe someone's emotional state.

Examples:

1. "After hearing the bad news, she looked really down in the mouth."
2. "He was down in the mouth after losing the game, but he promised to try harder next time."

Advanced Usage:

You might use "down in the mouth" in more complex sentences, such as: - "Despite his usual cheerful demeanor, he appeared down in the mouth when he learned about his friend's illness."

Word Variants:

• Downcast: This is a synonym that also describes someone who looks sad or dejected.
• Melancholy: This word indicates a deeper, more persistent sadness.

Different Meanings:

While "down in the mouth" primarily refers to a sad or gloomy appearance, it can also imply a sense of defeat or resignation about a situation.

Synonyms:

1. Gloomy
2. Disheartened
3. Depressed
4. Downhearted
5. Despondent

Related Idioms and Expressions:

• Down in the dumps: This is a similar expression that conveys the same idea of feeling sad or depressed.
• Feeling blue: This phrase is used to express feeling sad or unhappy.

Phrasal Verbs:

While "down in the mouth" does not have a direct phrasal verb equivalent, you might use phrases like: - Cheer up: This means to become happier or to help someone feel better. - Lift someone's spirits: This means to make someone feel happier or more positive.

Academic

Adjective

1. filled with melancholy and despondency
   • gloomy at the thought of what he had to face
   • gloomy predictions
   • a gloomy silence
   • took a grim view of the economy
   • the darkening mood
   • lonely and blue in a strange city
   • depressed by the loss of his job
   • a dispirited and resigned expression on her face
   • downcast after his defeat
   • feeling discouraged and downhearted