be discouraged

[bi dɪsˈkɜrɪdʒd]
verb phrase
estar desanimado; estar desalentado; perder o ânimo
1. to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or hope about something; to feel less motivated or determined
Don't be discouraged by the initial rejection; keep trying.
Não se desanime com a rejeição inicial; continue tentando.
2. to be made to feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
She was discouraged from pursuing a career in music by her parents.
Ela foi desestimulada pelos pais a seguir carreira na música.
3. to feel sadness or lack of hope regarding a particular situation
He felt discouraged after failing the exam for the third time.
Ele se sentiu desalentado depois de reprovar no exame pela terceira vez.
In Brazilian culture, discouragement is often expressed through body language and facial expressions. The phrase 'estar com a cabeça baixa' (literally 'to have your head down') is a common metaphor for discouragement. In American culture, being discouraged is often framed as a temporary setback to overcome, reflecting a more optimistic worldview about resilience and persistence.
NYC Slang
lose your nerve; lose your drive
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be disheartenedbe demoralizedlose heartbe dispiritedfeel dejectedlose confidence
Antonyms / Antônimos
be encouragedbe inspiredbe motivatedfeel hopefulbe determined

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
estar desanimado/desalentado
Most common and widely understood form across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
estar de cabeça baixa
Colloquial expression meaning literally 'with head down'
São Paulo
estar desmotivado
Modern usage, particularly common in corporate and urban contexts
Portugal
estar desanimado; estar desencorajado
Similar to Brazilian usage; both forms are acceptable

Related Words

discouragementdiscouragediscouragingencouragementmotivationmorale

Related Idioms & Phrases

lose heart
be down in the dumps
be at a low ebb
have the wind knocked out of your sails
perder o ânimo
baixar os braços
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