Depressive
/dɪˈprɛsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
/dɪˈprɛsɪv/
Feeling or characterized by sadness; causing or resulting from depression.
He was experiencing depressive episodes after the loss of his job.
💡 Simply: Imagine feeling really, really sad, like you don't enjoy things anymore, and that feeling just won't go away. That's a depressive feeling.
👶 For kids: When someone feels very, very sad and doesn't have fun doing things they usually like.
More Examples
The depressive symptoms included a loss of appetite and sleep disturbances.
The medication helped reduce the depressive feelings.
She felt a depressive weight on her chest after hearing the news.
How It's Used
"The patient experienced depressive symptoms, including fatigue and loss of interest."
"Depressive disorders are often treated with therapy and medication."
"Her depressive mood made it difficult to enjoy social events."
Tending to cause feelings of sadness and dejection; likely to cause mental depression.
/dɪˈprɛsɪv/
Causing or relating to depression of the mind or spirits.
The gloomy weather had a depressive influence on everyone.
💡 Simply: Something is depressive if it makes you feel down or sad. Like hearing bad news.
👶 For kids: Something that makes people feel really, really sad.
More Examples
The economic downturn created a depressive atmosphere.
The movie's ending was quite depressive.
She found the depressive music to be quite soothing.
How It's Used
"The news had a depressive effect on the entire community."
"His depressive thoughts made it hard for him to focus on his work."
"The depressive illness affected his productivity."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Late Latin *depressivus*, from *depressus*, past participle of *deprimere* 'to press down'. The word gained popularity in medical contexts, particularly in the late 19th and 20th centuries, following advancements in the understanding of mental health.
The term 'depressive' as an adjective gained more widespread usage in the medical and psychological fields during the 20th century, replacing older terms like 'melancholy' in many contexts.
Memory tip
Think of someone who is *depressed* and visualize them feeling *depressive* symptoms.
Word Origin
"to press down, to depress"