depressed

Everyday

1. Very sad and without hope, often for a long time. tree →
2. (health) Having the illness depression, which needs help from a doctor or counsellor. tree →
3. (of a place or economy) Poor, with few jobs or little business. tree →
4. Pushed down (a depressed button). tree →
5. Lower than the area around it (a depressed area of ground). tree →

In the lessons

In health and feelings: feeling depressed is serious; talk to a trusted adult. In everyday talk, people say «I'm so depressed» about small things, but real depression is an illness. In geography: a depressed town with closed factories. In science: press or depress a button or lever.

Examples

• She felt depressed after her dog died. tree →
• If you feel depressed for a long time, tell someone you trust. tree →
• Depression is an illness that can be treated. tree →
• The town was depressed after the mine closed. tree →
• Depress the button to start the machine. tree →
• Rain on holiday is depressing! tree →
• But after she had been some time with Mother Holle she grew sad and depressed, and at first she hardly knew herself what was the matter. tree →

Note

Depressed = how a person feels; depressing = what makes you feel that way (a depressing film). Noun: depression (also a low-pressure weather system). Sadness passes; depression lasts and needs help.