VocabDictionary

desastre

/deˈzaʃ.tɾi/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An event causing great damage, destruction, and distress; a catastrophe or serious misfortune.

Example Sentences:
  • O terremoto foi um verdadeiro desastre para a região.
  • A falta de planejamento resultou em um desastre financeiro.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “desastre”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Italian 'disastro', formed by the prefix 'dis-' (expressing separation or negation, from Latin) combined with 'astro' (star, planet, from Latin 'astrum'). Historically, it reflects the ancient astrological belief that unfavorable events were caused by the unpropitious influence or alignment of stars (literally, 'ill-starred').

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Sounds very similar to the English word 'disaster', making it extremely easy for English speakers to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions About “desastre

1. What is the meaning of “desastre” in English?

In English, desastre (noun) is defined as: “An event causing great damage, destruction, and distress; a catastrophe or serious misfortune.”.

2. How do you use “desastre” in a sentence?

O terremoto foi um verdadeiro desastre para a região.

3. What are English synonyms of “desastre”?

Common synonyms include:catástrofe,calamidade,tragédia,ruína

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “desastre”?

Derived from the Italian 'disastro', formed by the prefix 'dis-' (expressing separation or negation, from Latin) combined with 'astro' (star, planet, from Latin 'astrum'). Historically, it reflects the ancient astrological belief that unfavorable events were caused by the unpropitious influence or alignment of stars (literally, 'ill-starred').