desperately

Everyday

1. Very much, so much it hurts: she desperately wanted a puppy. tree →
2. In a wild way, because things are bad and there is little hope: he swam desperately for the shore. tree →
3. Extremely, very badly: they were desperately poor; it was desperately cold. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories to show great need, fear or effort. In news: people desperately need help after a flood. In The Wind in the Willows Toad desperately wants motor cars; Mole runs desperately through the Wild Wood.

Examples

• I desperately need a drink of water. tree →
• The kitten clung desperately to the branch. tree →
• Mole ran desperately through the Wild Wood. tree →
• She desperately wanted to win. tree →
• The family were desperately poor. tree →
• He looked around desperately for his mum. tree →
• Toad desperately wanted a motor car. tree →
• We were desperately tired after the hike. tree →
• And Pinocchio swam desperately with his arms, his body, his legs, his feet. tree →

Note

Adverb of «desperate». Spelling trap: desp-E-rate (not desparate). Do not use it for small wishes in careful writing; it means a very strong need or a bad situation.