Depression: meaning, definitions and examples

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depression

[dɪˈprɛʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability, as well as changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

Synonyms

desolation, despair, gloom, melancholy, sadness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depression	Mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest. Often used in clinical settings or serious discussions about emotional well-being. She has been diagnosed with depression and is receiving treatment John is struggling with depression after losing his job
sadness	A general feeling of sorrow or unhappiness, often temporary and not as intense as depression. This term is widely used in everyday language. There was a sadness in his voice when he spoke about the past She couldn't shake off the sadness after watching the tragic movie
melancholy	A deep, reflective sadness, often without a clear cause. It can be used in both literary and everyday contexts. He played the piano with a sense of melancholy Her eyes had a melancholy look that made him curious about her past
despair	A complete loss of hope, often used in situations where someone feels utterly defeated. Typically has a negative connotation. He sank into despair after his business failed The constant bad news led her to a state of deep despair
gloom	A sense of darkness and sadness, often accompanied by a feeling of doom or a lack of light. Commonly used to describe both physical environments and emotional states. The gloomy weather matched her mood perfectly His constant pessimism cast a gloomy shadow over their plans
desolation	Extreme sadness and emptiness, often associated with feelings of abandonment or being completely alone. Usually used in poetic or dramatic contexts. The battlefield left a feeling of desolation in its wake After her best friend moved away, she felt an overwhelming sense of desolation

Examples of usage

I have been struggling with depression for years.
She is receiving treatment for depression.
Depression can be a debilitating condition.
Many people with depression benefit from therapy.
He is feeling overwhelmed by his depression.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

economics

Depression is a severe and prolonged downturn in economic activity. It is characterized by falling output and income levels, high unemployment rates, and a general lack of demand for goods and services.

Synonyms

crisis, decline, downturn, recession, slump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depression	This term is used for a prolonged and severe downturn in economic activity, often over several years, characterized by significant declines in GDP, high unemployment, and deflation. During the Great Depression, millions of people lost their jobs. The country is struggling to recover from a deep economic depression.
recession	Recession refers to a significant decline in economic activity across the economy, lasting more than a few months. It's marked by reductions in spending and increases in unemployment. The country went into recession after consecutive quarters of negative growth. Many businesses failed during the recession.
slump	Slump is often used to describe a sudden severe fall in prices, demand, or economic activity. It often carries a negative connotation. The housing market is in a slump due to the economic instability. There was a slump in consumer confidence.
downturn	A downturn is used to describe a temporary dip in economic activity, less severe than a recession. It's typically short-term and reversible. The stock market experienced a downturn due to geopolitical tensions. Tourism saw a downturn last year.
decline	Decline implies a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, quality, or value. It is often used when speaking about industries, companies, or economies over a period of time. There has been a steady decline in manufacturing jobs. The decline in sales led to store closures.
crisis	Crisis refers to a time of intense difficulty or danger, which can be economic, political, or financial. It suggests an urgent situation requiring immediate attention. The financial crisis of 2008 led to widespread bankruptcies. The country is in the middle of an economic crisis.

Examples of usage

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a global economic crisis.
The country is facing an economic depression.
Businesses are struggling to survive in the midst of a depression.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down', which reflects the overwhelming feeling this condition can cause.
The concept of depression has been recognized since ancient times, with the Greeks calling it 'melancholia', linking it to an imbalance of bodily fluids.
In the 19th century, depression began to be classified as a medical condition, leading to more comprehensive study and treatment.

Psychology

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide and often leading to other health issues.
Symptoms can include persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleeping and eating habits, and a loss of interest in activities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment, helping individuals change negative thinking patterns related to this condition.

Pop Culture

Many famous artists, writers, and musicians, like Vincent van Gogh and Kurt Cobain, openly discussed their struggles with depression, influencing their work.
Films like 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'Little Miss Sunshine' depict characters dealing with depression, promoting understanding and dialogue around mental health issues.
The portrayal of depression in mainstream media has helped to destigmatize the condition, encouraging individuals to seek help.

Science

Research continues to explore the biological impact of depression, including changes in brain chemistry and structure, particularly in areas associated with mood regulation.
Genetics can play a role in depression, with studies suggesting that family history may increase an individual's risk of developing the disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) shows how changes in light and seasons can trigger depressive episodes in some individuals, highlighting the environmental impact on mental health.

Literature

Classic literature often explores themes of sadness and despair, with characters representing the struggle of depression, such as in the works of Dostoevsky and Sylvia Plath.
Poetry, particularly from the Romantic period, often reflects deep emotional struggles, using metaphor and imagery to convey inner turmoil and feelings of hopelessness.
Non-fiction works, like 'The Noonday Demon' by Andrew Solomon, provide personal accounts of living with depression, enriching the conversation around mental health and societal implications.

Translations

Translations of the word "depression" in other languages:

🇵🇹 depressão

🇮🇳 अवसाद

🇩🇪 Depression

🇮🇩 depresi

🇺🇦 депресія

🇵🇱 depresja

🇯🇵 うつ病

🇫🇷 dépression

🇪🇸 depresión

🇹🇷 depresyon

🇰🇷 우울증

🇸🇦 اكتئاب

🇨🇿 deprese

🇸🇰 depresia

🇨🇳 抑郁症

🇸🇮 depresija

🇮🇸 þunglyndi

🇰🇿 депрессия

🇬🇪 დეპრესია

🇦🇿 depressiya

🇲🇽 depresión

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,896, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2899 consist
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