depths
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the deepest part of the ocean or a large lake.
the deepest regions of a body of water. Often used with the definite article.
Simple“Strange creatures live in the depths of the ocean where no light reaches.”
In context“The wreckage of the vessel lay undisturbed in the silent depths of the Atlantic for over a century before it was finally located.”
UsageUsually appears as 'the depths'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the middle or most hidden part of a place like a forest or a building.
the most remote, central, or inaccessible part of a physical space.
Simple“They got lost in the depths of the forest and couldn't find the path.”
In context“Deep in the depths of the archives, the researcher discovered a series of letters that changed the historical narrative of the war.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the strongest or most serious part of a feeling, like sadness or despair.
the most intense or extreme stage of an emotional state or a difficult period.
Simple“In the depths of her sadness, she found it hard to talk to anyone.”
In context“Even in the depths of winter, the community remained hopeful that the economic situation would improve by spring.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
the worst or lowest level of behavior or quality.
the lowest or most degraded state or quality; a figurative nadir.
Simple“The team reached new depths of poor performance during the final game.”
In context“Critics argued that the tabloid's latest intrusion into the family's privacy represented a new depths of journalistic depravity.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'plumb the depths of'.
“It shows temperatures in Celsius at water depths between 20 meters and 1,000 meters (65 feet and 3,280 feet) for the two years from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2009.”