depressive

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
dē-
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
depressive symptoms
a depressive patient
depressively adverb

depressive

2 of 2

noun

: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression

Examples of depressive in a Sentence

Adjective the depressive story about a struggling artist
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Weaker but still significant effects were observed in those without depressive symptoms. Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 May 2025 This makes sense because a recent study found that 59% of yoga participants had reduced depressive symptoms after practicing heated yoga weekly for just 8 weeks. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 May 2025
Noun
Like any self-respecting depressive who’s unready to address her self-sabotaging, Laurie bails on their impromptu intervention before entrées. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025 Also, single high-dose LSD treatment very likely works in patients with depressive or anxiety disorders. New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depressive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressive was in 1620

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Cite this Entry

“Depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressive. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

depressive

1 of 2 adjective
de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpres-iv How to pronounce depressive (audio)
1
: tending to depress
2
: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression
the patient was paranoid and depressive
depressive symptoms

depressive

2 of 2 noun
: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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