Depressed

Definition

Depressed is an adjective that describes a state of feeling severe despondency, sadness, or a lack of motivation and enthusiasm. It can also refer to a reduced level, activity, or condition in various contexts, such as economic or physical conditions.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛst/
• Respelling: dih-PREST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛst/
• Respelling: dih-PREST

Etymology

The word "depressed" originates from the Latin "deprimere," meaning "to press down," from "de-" (down) and "premere" (to press). The term evolved through Old French "depresser" and Middle English as "depress," acquiring both psychological and physical meanings over time.

Derivatives

• Depression (noun)
• Depressive (adjective)
• Depress (verb)
• Decompress (verb)
• Depressant (noun)

Synonyms

• Downcast
• Sad
• Despondent

Antonyms

• Joyful
• Happy
• Elated

Usage

The term "depressed" is often used to describe feelings of deep sadness or a low mental state, as in "She felt depressed after the loss." It is also used in economic and physical contexts, such as "The depressed economy showed little growth."

Related Terms

• Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.
• Despair: The complete loss or absence of hope.
• Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, often with no obvious cause.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• In a state of despondency or sadness: Refers to feelings of deep unhappiness or a lowered mental state.
  • Example: "He felt depressed after hearing the news."
• Experiencing economic or physical decline: Describes a lowered or weakened condition, such as in economic contexts or physical states.
  • Example: "The depressed market showed little improvement."
• Lowered in position or level: Used in physical contexts to describe something reduced or pressed down.
  • Example: "The area was left depressed after the heavy rainfall."