mopes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “mopes” mean?
The plural form of 'mope'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'mope'; a state of low spirits, listlessness, or gloomy apathy.
A period or instance of being in low spirits, often characterized by inactivity, sulking, or brooding. Can refer to a group of people who are collectively gloomy or idle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar, though slightly more common in American informal contexts. The concept is equally understood.
Connotations
Mildly negative in both, suggesting an unproductive, slightly childish mood.
Frequency
Rare in formal writing in both varieties; occasional in informal speech and writing.
Grammar
How to Use “mopes” in a Sentence
have + the + mopesget + the + mopesbe + in + the + mopessuffer + from + the + mopesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mopes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just mopes about the house when it rains.
- Stop moping and come to the pub!
American English
- She's been moping around all week since her friend left.
- Don't mope over spilled milk.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally: 'The team has had the mopes since the project was cancelled.'
Academic
Extremely rare; considered too informal and imprecise.
Everyday
Primary context. Used to describe a temporary, non-serious gloomy mood in oneself or others.
Technical
Not used in psychology or medicine as a clinical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mopes”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mopes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mopes”
- Using it as a singular noun (*'a mope' in this sense).
- Confusing it with the verb 'to mope'.
- Using it to describe severe, long-term depression.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'The mopes' is an informal term for a temporary, mild, and often self-indulgent low mood. Depression is a clinical, medical condition.
No, in this sense it is almost always plural and used with 'the' (the mopes). 'A mope' can refer to a person who mopes, but this is less common.
They are very close synonyms. 'The blues' might be slightly more common and can refer to a slightly wider range of low feelings, while 'the mopes' strongly implies accompanying inactivity or sulking.
No, it is strictly informal. It would be inappropriate in academic, medical, or official business writing.
The plural form of 'mope'.
Mopes: in British English it is pronounced /məʊps/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Down in the dumps (related concept)”
- “Have a case of the Mondays (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person MOPing the floor slowly and sadly—they 'have the MOPES.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW SPIRITS ARE A PHYSICAL PLACE/LOCATION ('in' the mopes, 'down' in the dumps).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common way to use 'mopes' as a noun?