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

Rev Cheshire has to attend frequent medical appointments with Adam, who is autistic, including for his profound learning difficulties, as well as hearing and sight impairments.

Read more on BBC

The discovery that people had been tricked into joining the war had "caused me profound shock and distress", she says.

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Carney said Thursday's deal came "in the face of global trade shifts and profound uncertainty."

Read more on Barron's

Carney said Thursday's deal came "in the face of global trade shifts and profound uncertainty."

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An economic renaissance requires a more profound attitude shift than the tinkering around the edges on display this month.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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