profound

American  

[pruh-found, proh‐] / prəˈfaʊnd, proʊ‐ /

adjective

profounder, profoundest

1. penetrating or entering deeply into subjects of thought or knowledge; having deep insight or understanding.

   a profound thinker.

   Synonyms:

   sagacious, deep

   Antonyms:

   superficial, shallow

2. originating in or penetrating to the depths of one's being: profound grief.

3. being or going far beneath what is superficial, external, or obvious.

   profound insight.

4. of deep meaning; of great and broadly inclusive significance.

   a profound book.

5. pervasive or intense; thorough; complete.

   a profound silence.

6. extending, situated, or originating far down, or far beneath the surface.

   the profound depths of the ocean.

7. bending or passing far downward; low.

   a profound bow.

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noun

Literary.

1. something that is profound.

2. the deep sea; ocean.

3. depth; abyss.

profound British  

/ prəˈfʌndɪtɪ, prəˈfaʊnd /

adjective

1. penetrating deeply into subjects or ideas

   a profound mind

2. showing or requiring great knowledge or understanding

   a profound treatise

3. situated at or extending to a great depth

4. reaching to or stemming from the depths of one's nature

   profound regret

5. intense or absolute

   profound silence

6. thoroughgoing; extensive

   profound changes

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noun

1. archaic a great depth; abyss

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• profoundness
  noun
• unprofound
  adjective
• profoundly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of profound

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin profundus “deep, vast,” equivalent to pro- pro- ¹ + fundus “bottom” ( see found ¹)

Explanation

When you need a word that's deeper than "deep," consider profound. A philosopher is likely to make many profound pronouncements. Profundus literally means "deep" in Latin, and profound had the same meaning when it entered English in the 14th century. But even then, it also meant "figuratively deep" — that is, very great or intense: "The new laws have had a profound impact." Of people, it means "very knowledgeable or insightful," but sometimes when a person tries to sound profound, they're really just giving you superficial knowledge dressed up with big words.

Example Sentences

“All of the platforms have a different weighting of ingredients,” says James Cadwallader, co-founder and chief executive of Profound, a company focused on helping brands gain visibility in AI search.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Evertune and Profound, two of the largest AI search optimization startups, raised $15 million and $35 million, respectively, in August.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Profound changes — cultural and fiscal — have unfolded across the performing arts in the years since.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

"Profound changes to police vetting, conduct and misconduct processes are urgently needed to restore that bond which is so vital to policing by consent and supporting victims - particularly women and girls," Mr Khan said.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2023

Profound application and great facility in the mechanical part of his art were the characteristics of D�rer, and enabled him to exert a great influence on German art.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various

Related Words

• abject
• absolute
• acute
• deep
• deep-seated
• extensive
• extreme
• far-reaching
• great
• heartfelt
• sincere
• thorough
• utter