Word
deepen
Phoneticsdeep·en, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdipən/
UK/dˈiːpən/
Definition
v. to make something deeper or more intense. You can use it for physical things like a hole, or for feelings like love and understanding.
v. to increase the depth of something physically or to intensify a quality, emotion, or relationship.
Examples
“The workers need to deepen the well to find more water.”
“The two countries signed a new trade agreement to deepen their economic ties and cooperation.”
“As the investigation continued, the mystery began to deepen, revealing a complex web of secrets that the local authorities had ignored for decades.”
Examples
simple
“The workers need to deepen the well to find more water.”
contextual
“The two countries signed a new trade agreement to deepen their economic ties and cooperation.”
complex
“As the investigation continued, the mystery began to deepen, revealing a complex web of secrets that the local authorities had ignored for decades.”
Usage
Can be used both transitively (to deepen something) and intransitively (something deepens).
Real-World Examples
“The time to talk with teens is now, and these conversations can protect their safety and deepen their human connections.” “It’s possible that paying closer attention to birds may deepen your sense of connection to the natural world, making you more likely to protect it.” “Individual European countries have also deepened their own contacts with Kabul.” Etymology
From deep + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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