depression

Pronunciation: /dɪˈpɹɛʃən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
  2. noun a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment
  3. noun a sunken or depressed geological formation

Etymology

From Middle English depression, depressioun, from Old French depression, from Latin dēpressiō. Equivalent to depress + -ion.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
psychological state
Narrower (hyponyms)
low spirits, funk, melancholy, dejection, slough of despond, melancholia
Opposite (antonyms)
elation

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