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.

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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

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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” ( see found ¹)

Explanation

When you need a word that's deeper than "deep," consider profound. A philosopher is likely to make many profound pronouncements. Profundus literally means "deep" in Latin, and profound had the same meaning when it entered English in the 14th century. But even then, it also meant "figuratively deep" — that is, very great or intense: "The new laws have had a profound impact." Of people, it means "very knowledgeable or insightful," but sometimes when a person tries to sound profound, they're really just giving you superficial knowledge dressed up with big words.

Example Sentences

Harrison Phipps, 23, who has severe to profound hearing loss in both ears, is helped by an observer off the mat.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Electronic Arts, which owns Respawn, confirmed reports of Zampella’s death in December, noting in a statement that the developer and sports car collector’s influence on the gaming industry “was profound and far-reaching.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

That simple yet profound insight was the foundation of Investment Quality Trends External link —an investment newsletter that this month is celebrating its 60th birthday.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

The effect of lighter shoes across longer distances can be profound.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Somewhere in me there must be profound sorrow since it doesn’t take much for me to play the roles that call for heart-wrenching wailing.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

Related Words

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