Depressing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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depressing

[dɪˈprɛsɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling or atmosphere

Causing feelings of sadness and hopelessness; dejecting. Provoking a state of low spirits; disheartening. Characterized by a lack of happiness or pleasure; gloomy.

Synonyms

dismal, gloomy, miserable, sad, sorrowful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depressing	Used to describe situations, news, or environments that create a strong feeling of sadness or hopelessness. The movie was so depressing that it made me cry. The weather has been so depressing lately with all the rain.
sad	Describes a general feeling of unhappiness or low spirits, often in response to a specific event or situation. She felt sad when her friend moved away. It's sad to see so many abandoned pets.
miserable	Used when describing someone’s feelings of great discomfort or unhappiness. Can also refer to weather or conditions that cause discomfort. I felt miserable after catching a cold. The students were miserable in the freezing classroom.
sorrowful	Implies deep and often poignant sadness, usually due to a significant loss or tragedy. The sorrowful woman mourned the passing of her husband. His sorrowful eyes told a story of deep loss.
gloomy	Can describe a person’s mood or the appearance of a place. Implies darkness or a lack of light, and often a feeling of pessimism or sadness. She has been in a gloomy mood ever since the breakup. The old house had a gloomy atmosphere.
dismal	Refers to situations or environments that are physically or atmospherically dreary, often involving a combination of poor weather, poor lighting, and a generally negative mood. Can also describe poor performance. The team's dismal performance left the fans disappointed. The sky was overcast and the forest looked dismal.

Examples of usage

The news of the tragedy was very depressing.
The gray skies and rain made the day feel even more depressing.
The movie had a depressing ending that left the audience in tears.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

press down

Press down on something with steady force. Lower the value or level of something.

Synonyms

devalue, lower, push down, reduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depressing	Used to describe something that makes people feel very sad or hopeless. The news of the natural disaster was quite depressing Her story about losing her job was really depressing
push down	Often implies applying physical pressure to move something to a lower position, but can also refer to decreasing levels of certain metrics or values. It suggests a more forceful action. He had to push down the lever to start the machine The new regulations might push down the interest rates
lower	Refers to making something decrease in height, amount, or value. Can be used in various contexts, such as physical position or pricing. She asked him to lower the volume They decided to lower the price of the product
reduce	Generally used to talk about making something smaller in size, amount, or degree. It can be applied in diverse contexts from dieting to cost-cutting. We need to reduce our expenses to save money She managed to reduce her weight significantly through a new diet
devalue	Used when talking about a decrease in value, typically in economic or financial contexts. Often implies that the item or subject in question is worth less than its previous value. Inflation can devalue the currency rapidly The scandal seems to have devalued the company's reputation

Examples of usage

She was depressing the keys on the piano with emotion.
The economic crisis is depressing the value of the currency.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Certain experiences or events can trigger feelings of sadness, leading to what we might describe as depressing.
The human brain releases chemicals during low moods, affecting how we feel, which is why some days can feel heavier than others.

Literature

Famous literary works often explore themes that can be very depressing, reflecting the struggles of characters in challenging situations.
Authors like Franz Kafka and Virginia Woolf delved deep into human emotions, often highlighting the darker sides of life.

Art

Certain artistic movements, such as Expressionism, depict feelings of despair and sadness, using dark colors and distorted forms.
Many artists create works that convey a sense of gloom, aiming to provoke thought and emotional response from the viewer.

Music

Many songs explore themes of heartbreak and loneliness, often resonating with listeners in a personally impactful way.
Genres like blues and certain types of rock are known for their melancholic expressions, tapping into what can feel depressing.

Health

Prolonged feelings of depression can lead to serious health issues, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being.
People often use physical activity, such as exercise, to help lift their spirits during depressed moods, showcasing the link between body and mind.

Origin of 'depressing'

The word 'depressing' originates from the verb 'depress', which comes from the Latin word 'deprimere', meaning 'press down'. Over time, 'depress' evolved to also include the metaphorical sense of causing someone to feel sad or disheartened. The adjective 'depressing' emerged in the 17th century to describe something that brings about feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It has been used in literature, psychology, and everyday language to convey a sense of gloom or melancholy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,644, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11641 selectivity
11642 benchmark
11643 uppermost
11644 depressing
11645 negation
11646 dissimilar
11647 juices
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