Desperate or Desparate

Which is the correct spelling? The correct spelling is Desperate (not Desparate).

Correct Spelling

Desperate

Incorrect Spelling

Desparate

How common is this error?

There are 57,100 search results on Bing for the misspelling 'Desparate'. 'Desparate' ranks in the top 70 of most common errors caught by TripleChecker, with at least 238 websites containing this mistake.¹

Part of speech and definition

The word "desperate" functions primarily as an adjective. It can also be used as a participle adjective in certain contexts. The definition of "desperate" refers to feeling hopeless or in great need, often leading to rash or extreme behavior; it can also describe a situation that is critical or significantly lacking options.

Examples of desperate being used in a sentence:

Correct The hikers were desperate for water after getting lost in the scorching desert for two days.
Incorrect The hikers were desparate for water after getting lost in the scorching desert for two days.
Correct In a desperate attempt to save her failing business, she reached out to investors for help.
Incorrect In a desparate attempt to save her failing business, she reached out to investors for help.
Correct His desperate plea for forgiveness echoed through the empty hallway, but no one was there to hear it.
Incorrect His desparate plea for forgiveness echoed through the empty hallway, but no one was there to hear it.

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Other common questions

What is the correct spelling?

Desperate

What is its origin?

The word 'desperate' originates from the Latin word 'desperatus', which is the past participle of 'desperare', meaning 'to despair'. The term evolved through Middle French 'desperer' before entering Middle English as 'desperat'.

How do you pronounce desperate?

The word 'desperate' is pronounced as /ˈdɛsprɪt/. It can also be pronounced as /ˈdɛspərɪt/ in some dialects.

Any tips for using the word in a sentence?

The word 'desperate' can be used in a sentence such as, "She was desperate for a solution to her problems." When using 'desperate,' it's important to ensure it is spelled correctly and to understand that it conveys a sense of urgency or hopelessness, so it should be employed in contexts that reflect strong emotional states or dire situations. Additionally, be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, such as 'desperately,' which serves as an adverb.

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1: Data as of 09/01/2024.