profound
//pɹəˈfaʊnd//
Forms
- Comparative
- more profound
- Superlative
- most profound
Definitions
1.Descending far below the surface; opening or reaching to great depth; deep.
2.Very deep; very serious.
3.Intellectually deep; entering far into subjects; reaching to the bottom of a matter, or of a branch of learning; thorough.
- Where no motives of interest or pride intervene, none can equal them for profound and philosophical views of society, ….
- The most superficial phenomena are sometimes the most profound. Let us begin our analysis of [bourgeois] society … with the appearance of the clothes its members wore ….
4.Characterized by intensity; deeply felt; pervading.
- How now! which of your hips has the most profound sciatica?
- Of the profound corruption of this class there can be no doubt.
- I visited the wreckage at Ladbroke Grove, Hatfield. Potters Bar and Heck, and the experiences had a profound effect on me - especially Ladbroke Grove.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4253
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English profound, profounde
From Anglo-Norman profound
From Old French profont, profonde
From Latin profundus (“deep, profound”)
From prō + fundus (“bottom; foundation”).