# depth

/ˈdɛpθ/ (US) · /dˈɛpθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/depth
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. distance downwards

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 2. distance front-to-back

noun · CEFR B2

the distance from the front of something to the back.

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

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

### 3. seriousness or complexity

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 4. the deepest part

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

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

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

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

### 5. 3D appearance

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

## Examples

- The pool has a depth of two meters.
- The divers were surprised by the depth of the lake, which was much deeper than the map suggested.
- The novelist explores the psychological depth of her characters, revealing motivations that are not immediately apparent to the casual reader.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.