The word "desesperado" refers to a state of extreme urgency, hopelessness, or anxiety. It is often used when someone is in a situation where they feel they have no options left or are experiencing overwhelming emotional distress. The term has a high frequency of use in both oral and written contexts, but it is more commonly found in spoken language, often during conversations expressing strong emotions.
Estoy desesperado por encontrar un trabajo.
I am desperate to find a job.
Después de perder el contacto, se sintió desesperado.
After losing contact, he felt desperate.
The word "desesperado" is also used in various idiomatic expressions, reflecting deeper emotional states or social situations.
Estoy desesperado por una respuesta.
I am desperate for an answer.
Desesperado como un pez fuera del agua
Se siente desesperado como un pez fuera del agua en esta ciudad nueva.
He feels desperate like a fish out of water in this new city.
Hacer algo en un momento de desesperación
The term "desesperado" derives from the Latin word "desperatus," which is the past participle of "desperare," meaning "to lose hope." The prefix "de-" implies a negation or removal, while "sperare" relates to hope. Thus, it literally means 'without hope.'