“Depress” vs. “Upset”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “depress” and “upset”

  • "Depress" is a more severe emotion than "upset."
  • Being upset is usually temporary, while depression can be long-lasting.
  • Being upset is often a reaction to a specific event, while depression can be a result of chemical imbalances in the brain.
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What is the definition of “depress” and “upset”?

Depress
  • To make someone feel very sad or without hope.
  • Can be a long-lasting feeling that affects everyday life.
  • Often associated with clinical depression and may require medical intervention.
Upset
  • To make someone angry, worried, or unhappy.
  • Can be a temporary emotion that passes quickly.
  • Often triggered by a specific event or situation.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Upset” is the more popular variant on the web.
Depress
21,600,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The constant rain can depress even the most cheerful people.
  2. Failing an important exam can depress students and make them lose motivation.
  3. Losing a loved one can depress a person for an extended period of time.
More popular
Upset
300,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It upsets me when people are rude to others without reason.
  2. My friend's cancelation of our plans upset me, as I was really looking forward to hanging out.
  3. Witnessing an animal being mistreated can upset animal lovers to the point of taking action.
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