profound

[ pruh-found, proh‐ ]

adjective

, pro·found·er, pro·found·est.

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.

noun

, Literary.

1. something that is profound.
2. the deep sea; ocean.
3. depth; abyss.

profound

/ 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

noun

1. archaic.
   a great depth; abyss

Derived Forms

• proˈfoundness, noun
• proˈfoundly, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·found·ly adverb
• pro·found·ness noun
• un·pro·found adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of profound¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of profound¹

C14: from Old French profund, from Latin profundus deep, from pro- ¹+ fundus bottom

Example Sentences

Yet her writing is magnificent, thrilling, pleasurable, and psychologically profound.

From Washington Blade

He had so many burdens on his back that day and responded in such a profound way that changed not just that Super Bowl, but it changed the game.

From Washington Post

It was almost this ritualistic thing where I was with this man through all these profound final moments of his existence on the planet.

From Freakonomics

The post Australia’s showdown with Google has profound implications for domestic businesses and other digital platforms appeared first on Search Engine Land.

From Search Engine Land

It feels like you have been awakened in a very profound way.

From Ozy

Great American leaders have long contributed profound thoughts of tremendous consequence to the public discourse.

From The Daily Beast

But throughout the series so far, its style has also had a profound story of its own to tell.

From The Daily Beast

This does not seem like a profound bit of dramaturgy on my part, and he agrees with it.

From The Daily Beast

It might have been asking too much for Philip Roth to provide it, but the need was profound.

From The Daily Beast

And I had something deep and profound to say about drug legalization too, but the bong went out.

From The Daily Beast

"I most humbly thank your lordship," replied the butler with an air of profound gratitude, as he chuckled in his sleeve.

From Project Gutenberg

Never before in human experience had such a display of kindly feeling and profound regret been witnessed in similar circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

But he is not aware of the profound extent to which his own opinions have been affected by the changing times.

From Project Gutenberg

Struck with surprise, the dead silence of profound awe, for an instant stilled the whole assembly.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr Cutbill, the managing partner of the London house, received him with profound respect and pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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