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.

---

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

---

noun

1. archaic a great depth; abyss

Other Word Forms

• profoundly adverb
• profoundness noun
• unprofound adjective

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” ( found ¹ )

Example Sentences

It's impossible to know the depth of his support, and whether this profound yearning for change leads some to hold fast to a familiar symbol.

From BBC

Now, there are growing signs that outside investors have moved in and dominated the market, with profound implications for the future.

From Los Angeles Times

For Margaret Martin, the impact of the meeting and the apology was profound.

From BBC

“Faced with global economic uncertainties, the wave of digitalization, and profound changes in customer behavior, the retail industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation,” the company said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal

That is a profound commitment, provoking its own big, unanswered questions: how many and for how long?

From BBC

Related Words

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