Definition
Consternation is a feeling of anxiety, confusion, and dismay that often arises in response to unexpected or troubling news or events.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Disconcertion, perplexity, confusion, bewilderment, alarm, shock, dismay, disquiet, disturbance
Antonyms
Calmness, composure, poise, serenity, equanimity
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | consternations, consternation |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The sudden announcement of the company’s closure caused widespread consternation among its employees.
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The mayor’s decision to raise taxes has led to consternation among local business owners.
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The team’s poor performance in the championship game left their fans in a state of consternation.
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The unexpected news of her sudden departure left us in consternation.
Usage
The word “consternation” comes from the Latin “consternare,” which means “to throw into confusion.” It describes a feeling of anxiety, confusion, and dismay that often arises in response to unexpected or troubling news or events. This feeling can be experienced by individuals or groups of people.
Consternation is often used to describe the reaction of people to sudden changes or unexpected news. It can be caused by a wide variety of events, from personal setbacks to major world events. The feeling is usually characterized by a sense of confusion, bewilderment, and uncertainty about what to do next.
The term consternation is often used in journalism to describe the reactions of people to major news events, such as natural disasters, political upheavals, or economic crises. It can also be used in literature to describe the emotional reactions of characters to unexpected events.
Some synonyms of consternation include “disconcertion,” “perplexity,” “confusion,” “bewilderment,” “alarm,” “shock,” “dismay,” “disquiet,” and “disturbance.” These words all describe feelings of anxiety and confusion. Antonyms of consternation include “calmness,” “composure,” “poise,” “serenity,” and “equanimity,” which describe a more positive and peaceful state of mind.
The word consternation is used to describe a variety of situations, from minor setbacks to major crises. It is often used in a neutral or negative context, as it describes a feeling of distress and confusion. The word can also be used in a humorous context, to describe an over-the-top reaction to a minor inconvenience.
In conclusion, the noun consternation describes a feeling of anxiety, confusion, and dismay that often arises in response to unexpected or troubling news or events. It can be used to describe the emotional reactions of individuals or groups of people to a wide variety of situations. It is important to use the word with care, as it carries a negative connotation and can be interpreted as a sign of distress or confusion.