ENGLISH
REFERENCE

depths

n.
US //ˈdɛpθs// UK //dˈɛpθs// depths
  1. 1 deep water (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    the deepest part of the ocean or a large lake.

    the deepest regions of a body of water. Often used with the definite article.

    Example

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

    Example

    The wreckage of the vessel lay undisturbed in the silent depths of the Atlantic for over a century before it was finally located.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'the depths'.

  2. 2 remote or central part (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    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.

    Example

    They got lost in the depths of the forest and couldn't find the path.

    Example

    Deep in the depths of the archives, the researcher discovered a series of letters that changed the historical narrative of the war.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 intense feelings (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    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.

    Example

    In the depths of her sadness, she found it hard to talk to anyone.

    Example

    Even in the depths of winter, the community remained hopeful that the economic situation would improve by spring.

  2. 4 lowest point (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary Formal

    the worst or lowest level of behavior or quality.

    the lowest or most degraded state or quality; a figurative nadir.

    Example

    The team reached new depths of poor performance during the final game.

    Example

    Critics argued that the tabloid's latest intrusion into the family's privacy represented a new depths of journalistic depravity.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'plumb the depths of'.

© 2026 English Reference