Depressing

Definition

Depressing is an adjective that describes something causing a feeling of sadness, discouragement, or gloom. It often refers to situations, environments, or events that negatively impact one’s mood or outlook.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛsɪŋ/
• Respelling: dih-PRESS-ing

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛsɪŋ/
• Respelling: dih-PRESS-ing

Etymology

The word "depressing" originates from the Latin "deprimere," meaning "to press down." It entered English through Old French "depresser" and Middle English, eventually taking on the sense of causing sadness or discouragement.

Derivatives

• Depression (noun)
• Depress (verb)
• Depressive (adjective)
• Depressingly (adverb)
• Antidepressant (noun/adjective)

Synonyms

• Saddening
• Discouraging
• Gloomy

Antonyms

• Uplifting
• Encouraging
• Cheerful

Usage

The adjective "depressing" is often used to describe situations, environments, or events that evoke sadness or hopelessness, such as "The movie was so depressing that it left the audience in tears." It may also refer to environments, such as a "depressing gray sky."

Related Terms

• Sadness: A feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.
• Melancholy: A deep feeling of sadness, often without an obvious cause.
• Discouragement: A loss of confidence or enthusiasm.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Causing sadness or a sense of hopelessness: Used to describe situations, events, or atmospheres that negatively affect mood.
  • Example: "The rainy weather was particularly depressing after such a joyful weekend."
• Disheartening or discouraging: Indicates something that diminishes motivation or creates a sense of defeat.
  • Example: "The economic report was depressing for local businesses."