Depressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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depressed

[dɪˈprɛst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Feeling of severe despondency and dejection. Characterized by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy, often accompanied by low self-esteem and sadness.

Synonyms

downcast, miserable, sad, unhappy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depressed	Used to describe a severe and often prolonged feeling of sadness, typically associated with clinical depression. She has been feeling depressed for months and decided to seek professional help
sad	Used to describe a general feeling of unhappiness or sorrow, typically less intense and less prolonged than 'depressed'. She felt sad after saying goodbye to her friends at the airport
unhappy	Used to describe a state of being not content or joyful, often related to dissatisfaction or displeasure. He was unhappy with his job and decided to look for new opportunities
downcast	Used when someone looks or feels very sad, often due to disappointment or discouragement. After hearing the bad news, he walked out of the office with a downcast expression
miserable	Used to describe an extreme state of discomfort or unhappiness, often emphasizing physical as well as emotional pain. The weather was terrible and everyone felt miserable stuck inside

Examples of usage

I have been feeling depressed lately.
She was depressed after receiving the bad news.
The loss of her job left her feeling depressed.
The rainy weather always makes me feel depressed.
His depressed mood affected his work performance.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

economics

Characterized by a decline in economic activity. Marked by reduced industrial production, widespread unemployment, and falling prices.

Synonyms

recessed, sluggish, weak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depressed	Describes a state of feeling extremely sad, lacking energy or enthusiasm; often used in a psychological context. It can also refer to economic downturns. She felt depressed after hearing the bad news. The depressed economy has led to high unemployment rates.
recessed	Pertains to something set back or indented from the main part; often used in architecture or design. The room has recessed lighting for a modern look. They installed a recessed shelf in the bathroom.
sluggish	Describes a lack of energy, movement, or speed, often temporarily; can be used for people, animals, or things. I feel sluggish after a big meal. The sluggish sales this quarter are concerning.
weak	Implies a lack of physical strength, power, or intensity; can also describe arguments or excuses that are not convincing. After the illness, she felt too weak to stand. His argument was weak and unconvincing.

Examples of usage

The country is currently facing a depressed economy.
The government is implementing measures to revive the depressed market.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'depressus', which means 'pressed down', highlighting how heavy and low energy it feels.
In the early days, people believed that sadness was caused by an imbalance of body fluids, such as too much black bile.
The understanding of depression has evolved, with the 20th century seeing a shift towards psychological interpretations.

Psychology

Depressive disorders affect millions globally and can include symptoms like persistent sadness and loss of interest.
It’s often linked with chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
There are many types of depression, such as major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression.

Literature

Many famous authors, like Virginia Woolf and F. Scott Fitzgerald, openly wrote about their struggles with sadness, influencing their literary work.
In classic literature, characters like Hamlet exemplify the deep emotional turmoil and existential crises often associated with feeling depressed.
Poetry from the Romantic period often explored themes of despair and melancholy, reflecting the human condition.

Pop Culture

Songs like 'Creep' by Radiohead and 'Somebody That I Used to Know' by Gotye express feelings related to sadness and isolation.
Many films, such as 'Silver Linings Playbook', tackle the topic of depression, showing its impact on relationships and personal growth.
Social media has both positively and negatively influenced conversations about mental health and understanding depression.

Science

Studies show that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of sadness, boosting mood through the release of endorphins.
Research indicates a genetic component to depression, with certain genes being more prevalent among those who experience it.
Light therapy is often used to treat seasonal affective disorder, utilizing exposure to artificial light to improve mood.

Origin of 'depressed'

The word 'depressed' originated from the Latin word 'deprimere' meaning 'to press down'. It first appeared in English in the 14th century with the sense of 'low in spirits or sad'. Over time, the term expanded to also describe economic conditions characterized by a decline in activity. The modern usage of 'depressed' encompasses both emotional and economic contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,290 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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