profound

[pruh-found, proh‐]

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• profoundly adverb
• profoundness noun
• unprofound 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

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal was a moment of "profound relief that will be felt around the world".

Read more on BBC

In a world where anti-Blackness and transphobia remain as entrenched as ever, her rise signals both artistic excellence and a profound cultural shift of the stories told about Black and trans experiences.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The appeal, adds Dela Cruz, is furthermore a reaction to our digital age’s profound sense of disconnection and our difficulty distinguishing truth from fiction.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The protections and benefits of her dream of citizenship are on the line in a system increasingly hostile to outsiders, even those making a profound economic and cultural contribution to the common good.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We have work to do,” uttered by Logan’s Bea, is among the most profound moments of the play.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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