Langimage
English

depression

|de-press-ion|

B2

/dɪˈprɛʃən/

pressing down

Etymology
Etymology Information

'depression' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deprimere,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'premere' meant 'to press.'

Historical Evolution

'deprimere' transformed into the Old French word 'depression,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depression' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to press down,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings related to mental health, economic downturns, and physical indentations.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

She was diagnosed with clinical depression.

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Noun 2

a period of economic downturn marked by a decrease in industrial activity and high unemployment.

The Great Depression of the 1930s affected economies worldwide.

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Noun 3

a sunken or hollowed area on a surface.

The depression in the ground collected rainwater.

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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35