profound
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to describe a very strong feeling or effect.
characterised by great intensity or emotional depth; pervading.
Simple“The death of his grandfather had a profound effect on his childhood.”
In context“The sudden economic shift had a profound impact on the local community, altering the social fabric for generations to come.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
showing great knowledge or understanding of a difficult subject.
requiring or exhibiting deep intellectual insight; reaching the core of a complex matter.
Simple“The professor offered a profound explanation of the poem's meaning.”
In context“His latest book provides a profound analysis of the relationship between language and thought in early childhood development.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
used to describe something that is complete or absolute, like silence or a medical condition.
absolute or reaching to the furthest extent; often used to describe sensory deprivation or medical states.
Simple“A profound silence fell over the room after she finished speaking.”
In context“The patient suffered from profound deafness in both ears following the infection.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
reaching far down below the surface.
extending to a great depth physically; situated far below the surface.
Simple“The divers explored the profound depths of the ocean trench.”
In context“The explorers stared into the profound darkness of the cavern, unable to see where the floor began.”
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage profound toll · profound consequences · profound implications
“His fascination with serial killers is underpinned, he says, by a profound sympathy with their victims.”
“The fact is, hormones can shape our lives in profound ways.”
From Middle English profound, profounde, from Anglo-Norman profound, from Old French profont, profonde, from Latin profundus (“deep, profound”), from prō + fundus (“bottom; foundation”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.