What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depressive
Example
She has been feeling very depressive lately. [depressive: adjective]
Example
He was diagnosed with clinical depression and is receiving treatment. [depression: noun]
melancholic
Example
The melancholic music reflected the mood of the film. [melancholic: adjective]
Example
The painter's work was often inspired by his melancholic temperament. [melancholic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depressive is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in medical or clinical contexts. Melancholic is less common but is often used in artistic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depressive and melancholic?
Depressive is more formal than melancholic, which is more commonly used in informal or creative contexts.
