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depth

n.
US //ˈdɛpθ// UK //dˈɛpθ// depth
  1. 1 distance downwards (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the distance from the top surface of something to the bottom.

    the linear measurement from the surface of a body of water or a container to its lowest point.

    Example

    The divers were surprised by the depth of the lake, which reached over fifty meters.

    Example

    The engineers had to calculate the exact depth of the foundation to ensure the skyscraper could withstand seismic activity.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'of' followed by a measurement.
    • shallowness
  2. 2 distance front-to-back (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the distance from the front of something to the back.

    the horizontal dimension of an object measured from front to back, such as a shelf or a piece of furniture.

    Example

    Check the depth of the closet to make sure your coat hangers will fit.

    Example

    The kitchen designer noted that the standard depth of the cabinets would not accommodate the oversized professional range.

    Usage

    commonly used in technical specifications for furniture or appliances.
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  1. 3 seriousness or complexity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being serious, important, or having many layers of meaning.

    the degree of intensity, complexity, or intellectual substance in a person, work of art, or situation.

    Example

    The book was praised for the depth of its characters and its emotional story.

    Example

    The diplomat's analysis showed a remarkable depth of understanding regarding the historical grievances between the two nations.

    Usage

    frequently used in the phrase 'depth of character' or 'depth of feeling'.
    • superficiality
  2. 4 the deepest part (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    the part of something that is furthest from the surface or the edge.

    the most remote or central part of a place, or the most intense period of a season.

    Example

    Strange creatures live in the depths of the ocean where no light can reach.

    Example

    In the depths of winter, the village was frequently cut off from the rest of the country by heavy snowfall.

    Usage

    often used in the plural form 'depths' when referring to water or space.
  3. 5 3D appearance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Art

    the way a picture or image looks like it has real space and distance.

    the illusion or property of three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional representation.

    Example

    The artist used shadows to give the painting a sense of depth.

    Example

    By using a wide aperture, the photographer achieved a shallow depth of field that blurred the background and highlighted the subject.

    Usage

    often used in the phrase 'depth of field' in photography.
    • flatness
Origin

From Middle English depthe, from Old English dīepþ (“depth”), from Proto-Germanic diupiþō (“depth”), equivalent to deep + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Cognates Cognate with Scots deepth (“depth”), Saterland Frisian Djüpte (“depth”), West Frisian djipte (“depth; abyss, chasm”), Dutch diepte (“depth”), German Low German, Limburgish Deepde (“depth”), Luxembourgish Déift (“depth”), Danish, Norwegian Bokmål dybde (“depth”), Faroese dýpd (“depth”), Icelandic djúp, dýpi, dýpt (“depth”), Norwegian Nynorsk djup, djupn, djupt, dypt (“depth”), Swedish djup (“depth”), Gothic 𐌳𐌹𐌿𐍀𐌹𐌸𐌰 (diupiþa, “depth”).

Idioms1 entry

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