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

Derived Forms

• proˈfoundly, adverb
• proˈfoundness, noun

Other Word Forms

• pro·found·ly adverb
• pro·found·ness noun
• un·pro·found 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

An extreme, protracted trade war between the two global superpowers brings profound risk that, economists say, could destabilize the world economy, trigger a global recession and plunge millions into poverty.

From Los Angeles Times

"However, his actions driven by his sexual gratification and the fear he imposed on his victim, will have a profound impact," he added.

From BBC

The prime minister's spokesman paid tribute to the Hillsborough families, and said: "We are determined to enshrine their profound legacy as we work to introduce a Hillsborough Law that will deliver the justice they deserve."

From BBC

In a conversation with The Times published last week, Wood said her time on “The White Lotus” “has been so deep, so profound, so complicated.”

From Los Angeles Times

How to sear into a reader’s brain the profound calamity of a dozen savage killings?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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