dampened spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

"dampened spirits" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the state of someone's morale or attitude after being disappointed, discouraged, or disheartened. Example sentence: After hearing the news of their budget cuts, the staff's spirits were noticeably dampened.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Tonight heavy rain has dampened spirits.

The Guardian

Then dismaying profit figures from Motorola, Intel and J.P. Morgan Chase dampened spirits once again.

The Economist

The stalemated presidential election dampened spirits, as did several corporate earning warnings.

The New York Times

Last month, on a trivia night, frigid rain seemed to have already dampened spirits.

The New Yorker

They needed a change – the fourth goal does seem to have dampened spirits at Whaddon Road.

The Guardian - Sport

Thunderstorms can roll in suddenly and just as suddenly the sun bursts out with a vengeance to lift dampened spirits.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But it shows no sign of dampening spirits at EnerNOC.

The Economist

Even the crushing 4-0 defeagainstnst Uruguay in the last 16 didn't dampen spirits.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was the news that the duke had been taken into hospital that did more to dampen spirits.

The Guardian - Music

Though many had prepared for a volatile market, the extent of Monday's sell-off still managed to dampen spirits and surprise some.

The New York Times

A three-hour wait for the coach did little to dampen spirits; out came the harmonicas and the hippies were happy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dampened spirits", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the reduction in enthusiasm or morale. For example: "The company's poor financial results dampened spirits among employees."

Common error

Avoid using "dampened spirits" in contexts where literal dampness is being described. Instead, use it exclusively to refer to a metaphorical decrease in morale or enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dampened spirits" functions as a verbal phrase acting upon a noun, where "dampened" (past participle of "dampen") modifies "spirits". It describes the state of morale or enthusiasm being reduced or lessened. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dampened spirits" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a reduction in enthusiasm or morale. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it effectively conveys the impact of events on people's attitudes. While it is important to avoid literal interpretations, understanding the metaphorical use of "dampened spirits" enhances clarity and precision in expressing nuanced emotional states. Alternatives like "lowered morale" and "reduced enthusiasm" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. By considering context and choosing the most appropriate phrasing, you can effectively communicate the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lowered morale

Focuses more on the overall state of morale rather than a specific event causing a decrease.

reduced enthusiasm

Emphasizes the lessening of excitement and eagerness.

discouraged mood

Highlights the feeling of being disheartened and lacking motivation.

deflated hopes

Suggests a crushing of optimistic expectations.

diminished optimism

Focuses on the reduction of a positive outlook.

sapped enthusiasm

Highlights a gradual reduction of energy.

clouded mood

Implies a darkening or weighing down of one's emotional state.

chilled enthusiasm

Suggests a sudden and unwelcome reduction in eagerness.

tempered excitement

Implies a controlled reduction in enthusiasm, often due to caution.

lessened zeal

Focuses on a decrease in passionate dedication or eagerness.

FAQs

How can I use "dampened spirits" in a sentence?

Use "dampened spirits" to describe a situation where enthusiasm or morale has decreased. For example, "The bad weather "dampened spirits" at the outdoor event."

What's a synonym for "dampened spirits"?

Synonyms include "lowered morale", "reduced enthusiasm", or "discouraged mood". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dampened spirits" in formal writing?

Yes, "dampened spirits" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news articles, business reports, or academic papers, to describe a decline in morale or enthusiasm.

Which is correct, "dampened spirits" or "dampened spirit"?

"Dampened spirits" is generally used to refer to the general mood of a group of people. "Dampened spirit" is less common, but can be used to refer to the mood of one person.