profound

[ pruh-found, proh‐ ]

adjective

, pro·found·er, pro·found·est.

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 Words From

• 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

“He caused profound fear and chaos and will now face the consequences of his actions,” said Lisa Monaco, deputy attorney general.

From Los Angeles Times

He urged the school board to consider the “profound impact” that Perez has had on the Valley View community and realize that “his absence would leave a gap in our lives that no other teacher could fill.”

From Los Angeles Times

If you’re experiencing a profound sense of dissonance between the level of alarm accorded the possibility of a second Trump presidency and the level of alarm apparent in the public sphere as we embark upon the reality of a second Trump presidency, you are not alone.

From Slate

Sittichai Chaiyahat and Gemma Pedersen, looking down from their balcony, sing the song that expresses the couple’s fears in lyrics that have the profound simplicity of haikus.

From Los Angeles Times

If you need another reason to see a revival that I cannot praise enough, let me add that this musical offers a profound glimpse of how history can overtake us, altering reality in ways that are hard to imagine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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