de profundis

American  

[dey proh-foon-dis] / deɪ proʊˈfʊn dɪs /

Latin.

1. out of the depths (of sorrow, despair, etc.).

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de profundis British  

/ deɪ prɒˈfʊndɪs /

adverb

1. out of the depths of misery or dejection

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Etymology

Origin of de profundis

from the first words of Psalm 130

Example Sentences

He will begin a letter with a de profundis, and towards the end forget his sorrows, glide into commonplace topics, and write about them in the ordinary strain.

From Cowper by Smith, Goldwin

Another bella divozione for the same end is to go up the steps of Ara Coeli on your knees reciting a requiem aeternum or a de profundis on each step.

From Rome by Malleson, Hope

"Something has happened to Prospero," she said, de profundis.

From My Friend Prospero by Harland, Henry

He shivered, and one could see his steaming breath at each de profundis that he uttered.

From L'Assommoir by Zola, Émile

From out of the deep dark pits men see the stars more gloriously—and de profundis amavi— It is a very poor answer!

From The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Barrett, Vol. 1 (of 2) 1845-1846 by Browning, Robert