| 释义 |
calamitous, a.|kəˈlæmɪtəs|
[ad. F. calamiteux, -eus (16th c. in Littré) ad. L. calamitōsus, contr. of calamitāt-ōsus adj., from calamitāt-em calamity. (The contracted termination has supplied an analogy for several similar formations in French and Eng.: see -itous, -ous.)]
1. Fraught with or causing calamity; disastrous, distressful; full of distress, affliction, or misery.
1545Joye Exp. Dan. vii. (R.) Here is to be noted another heuey thretening which precheth the calamitous afflictions of y⊇ chirche. 1646Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 13 That calamitous error of the Jewes, misapprehending the Prophesies of their Messias. 1727De Foe Eng. Tradesm. vii. (1841) I. 45 In former times, it was a dismal and calamitous thing for a tradesman to break. 1772–84Cook Voy. (1790) VI. 1984 The late calamitous accident. 1839Thirlwall Greece III. 189 Contests, in which victory would be unprofitable, defeat calamitous.
†2. Of persons: Involved in calamity, distress, or affliction; distressed, unfortunate, miserable. Obs.
1668Act Prevent. & Suppress. Fires in Lond. 2 Fire..rendring very many of the Inhabitants calamitous. 1726Ayliffe Parerg. 313 The Tears and Prayers of calamitous Persons. 1752Johnson Rambl. No. 190 ⁋6 Thou hast seen me happy and calamitous. |