dismay
Looking at the world around me, I see a global pandemic that is disproportionately affecting the disadvantaged.
I see billionaires getting richer.
I see cruelty in how we treat those seeking refuge.
I see unfairness in who is given a chance to develop their potential.
I see violence where there should be protection.
I see fires and floods.
And I see no rational reason to think things will be better soon.
I feel dismay.
Dismay
The dictionary meaning is: feelings of consternation and distress, generally caused by something unexpected. The word’s etymology is odd. “Dis” comes from the Latin to express negation, while “may” is a Germanic verb used to express possibility and permission – or hope in the optative mood.
It may rain.
May I ask a question.
May the road rise to meet you.
It seems that “dismay” is the negation of possibility, permission, hope.
Oh.
