depression - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
depression Word Meanings
- a state of low mood or aversion to activity
- a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness
- a physical downturn or decline in economic activity
depression Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
depression Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈprɛʃ.ən/
US
/dɪˈprɛʃ.ən/
depression Word Etymology
depression = de- (down) + press (to push). Originated from Latin 'depressio' -> Old French 'depression' -> English. Imagine someone pushing downwards with great weight, struggling under its burden.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I roll my shoulders back and push my chair a little, then move my gaze toward the window. The room seems to breathe slow as a quiet shift settles in, and I set my mug back down with careful hands. I keep taking small breaths, trying to adjust my pace and change the pace of my inner chatter. The weight of depression sits on my chest, and I learn to work with it, not pretend it's not there.
Real Context
Depression is a noun with several closely related senses. In everyday English it can describe a temporary mood of sadness or low energy, a more persistent mental health condition characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and trouble with sleep or appetite, and, in economics or business, a downturn or decline in activity. The word carries serious medical connotations when referring to the clinical disorder, and is not interchangeable with simple disappointment. Learners should note the spectrum from casual mood to clinical illness, and be aware that the mental health sense often requires sensitivity and, in many contexts, professional support.
Usage Reminders
- - Depression has medical and non-medical senses; use context to decide.
- - Do not replace clinical depression with ordinary sadness in formal writing.
- - Use mood words (feeling down) for casual talk.
- - Economic depression is about downturn, not personal mood.
- - Pair with adjectives like major, clinical, or seasonal when needed.
Common Misconceptions
- Depression is just sadness and will pass quickly.
- Depression is not a real illness.
- Only adults get depression.
- Depression and disappointment mean the same thing.
- Economic depression is the same as a personal mood.
Thinking Differences
Depression in English spans both everyday mood and clinical illness. Learners often overgeneralize the medical sense or misread it as mere disappointment. Focus on context, collocations, and whether the word refers to a person’s health or to an economy.
Learning Tips
- Know the three main senses: mood, medical depression, and economic downturn.
- Use 'depressed' for a person and 'depression' for the condition.
- Pair with modifiers: major depression, clinical depression, seasonal depression.
- Differentiate casual talk ('feeling down') from clinical language.
- Recognize economic usage as downturn, not personal feeling.
- Practice with real case examples and medical/socioeconomic texts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'depression'?
A.Sadness
B.Excitement
C.Confusion
D.Happiness
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences use the word 'depression' correctly?
A.After winning the game, she felt a wave of depression.
B.The sunny weather brought a feeling of depression to everyone.
C.He showed depression on his face when he received good news.
D.They celebrated their success despite the depression.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is the most similar word to 'depression'?
A.Anxiety
B.Joy
C.Elation
D.Glee
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'depression'?
A.Optimism
B.Despair
C.Melancholy
D.Gloom
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario related to 'depression'?
A.A student struggling to get out of bed due to lack of motivation.
B.A person feeling extremely happy after getting a promotion.
C.A family celebrating a birthday with enthusiasm.
D.A group of friends enjoying a fun day at the beach.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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