Depressingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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depressingly

[dɪˈprɛsɪŋli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

adverb of manner

In a manner that is causing someone to feel very sad and without hope.

Synonyms

mournfully, sadly, sorrowfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depressingly	Used when describing something that brings feelings of severe sadness, often in a manner that is difficult to change or escape. It implies a sense of ongoing, relentless dismalness. The weather has been depressingly dreary all week. He spoke of his future job prospects depressingly, as if he had already given up.
sadly	Commonly used in everyday situations to indicate a sense of sadness or regret. It can refer to both minor and major disappointments or unfortunate circumstances. Sadly, the event was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. He sadly admitted that their relationship was over.
sorrowfully	Best used in formal or literary contexts to describe profound sadness or regret. It often indicates a deep, heartfelt lament. She sorrowfully recounted the tale of their lost love. He apologized sorrowfully for his mistakes, hoping for forgiveness.
mournfully	Appropriate when referring to expressions of deep grief, typically related to loss or bereavement. It often conveys a quiet, reflective sorrow. She looked mournfully at the old photographs of happier times. The violin played a mournfully beautiful melody that moved the crowd to tears.

Examples of usage

She looked at him depressingly.
The news was depressingly familiar.
The weather outside was depressingly grey and dull.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down'.
It first appeared in English in the 17th century, evolving to describe more emotional states over time.
Related roots include 'depression', which has been used in both medical and emotional contexts.

Psychology

People often experience feelings that can be described as depressing during difficult life events, like losing a loved one.
Chronic stress and anxiety can also lead to a sense of hopelessness that feels depressingly heavy.
The term is often used in mental health discussions, especially concerning mood disorders.

Literature

Many authors use this word to convey a mood, as in gloomy settings or tragic characters, making stories more impactful.
William Styron's 'Darkness Visible' uses the concept to explore the depths of personal despair.
Poetry often captures feelings with this word, emphasizing deep emotional struggles.

Pop Culture

Movies that depict difficult realities, like 'Requiem for a Dream', often evoke feelings described as depressingly true.
Song lyrics frequently express themes of sadness, using the term to describe emotional struggle in genres like rock and pop.
The phrase 'depressingly relatable' has emerged in memes, highlighting common, albeit sad, human experiences.

Science

Studies show that prolonged feelings described as depressingly low can affect brain chemistry, influencing mental health.
Environmental factors, such as seasonal changes, can lead to periods of sadness, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Research indicates that positive social interactions can counteract feelings that might feel depressingly overwhelming.

Translations

Translations of the word "depressingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 depressivamente

🇮🇳 निराशाजनक रूप से

🇩🇪 deprimierend

🇮🇩 dengan menyedihkan

🇺🇦 пригнічено

🇵🇱 przygnębiająco

🇯🇵 憂鬱に

🇫🇷 déprimant

🇪🇸 deprimente

🇹🇷 depresif bir şekilde

🇰🇷 우울하게

🇸🇦 بشكل محبط

🇨🇿 depresivně

🇸🇰 depresívne

🇨🇳 令人沮丧地

🇸🇮 depresivno

🇮🇸 þunglyndislega

🇰🇿 депрессиялық түрде

🇬🇪 დეპრესიულად

🇦🇿 depressiv şəkildə

🇲🇽 deprimente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,320 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34317 handcuff
34318 chorused
34319 toiler
34320 depressingly
34321 nonviable
34322 calve
34323 baulked
...