What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depressed
Example
She has been feeling depressed since her breakup. [depressed: adjective]
Example
He was diagnosed with depression and is receiving treatment. [depression: noun]
gloomy
Example
The weather was gloomy and overcast all day. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
She had a gloomy expression on her face after hearing the bad news. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gloomy is more commonly used in everyday language than depressed. Depressed is typically used in clinical or medical contexts and may not be appropriate in casual conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depressed and gloomy?
Depressed is a more formal word than gloomy due to its clinical connotation and usage in medical contexts. Gloomy is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
