depressive
|dɪ-ˈprɛs-ɪv|
/dɪˈprɛsɪv/
related to or causing low mood / depression
Etymology
'depressive' was formed in modern English from the noun 'depression' with the adjectival suffix '-ive' (19th century), meaning 'relating to depression'.
The English noun 'depression' comes from French 'dépression' and ultimately from Latin 'depressio' (from the verb 'deprimere', past participle 'depressus'). The French adjective 'dépressif' influenced English formation of 'depressive'.
Originally from Latin roots meaning 'to press down' (physical sense), it shifted to describe lowered spirits or mood and now primarily denotes clinical or emotional low mood.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is suffering from clinical depression or a long-term depressive condition.
He identified as a depressive and sought therapy for several years.
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Noun 2
a depressive episode or period of low mood (used informally).
After the breakup, she went through a long depressive period.
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Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of clinical depression or depressive disorders.
She was diagnosed with a depressive disorder last year.
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Last updated: 2025/10/24 13:57