Word
profound
Phoneticspro·found, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹoʊˈfaʊnd/
UK/pɹəfˈaʊnd/
Definitions
01intense or deeply felt
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. used to describe a very strong feeling or effect.
adj. characterised by great intensity or emotional depth; pervading.
Español:profundo
“The death of his grandfather had a profound effect on his childhood.”
“The sudden economic shift had a profound impact on the local community, altering the social fabric for generations to come.”
02intellectually deep
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. showing great knowledge or understanding of a difficult subject.
adj. requiring or exhibiting deep intellectual insight; reaching the core of a complex matter.
“The professor offered a profound explanation of the poem's meaning.”
“His latest book provides a profound analysis of the relationship between language and thought in early childhood development.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03complete or total
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. used to describe something that is complete or absolute, like silence or a medical condition.
adj. absolute or reaching to the furthest extent; often used to describe sensory deprivation or medical states.
“A profound silence fell over the room after she finished speaking.”
“The patient suffered from profound deafness in both ears following the infection.”
Antonyms
04physically deep
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adj. reaching far down below the surface.
adj. extending to a great depth physically; situated far below the surface.
Español:profundo
“The divers explored the profound depths of the ocean trench.”
“The explorers stared into the profound darkness of the cavern, unable to see where the floor began.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “profound” in context.
Adjective
01. profound challenge
“The rapid aging of the population presents a profound challenge to the national healthcare system.”
adj + noun
02. profound change
“The invention of the internet has brought about a profound change in how we communicate.”
adj + noun
03. profound effect
“The new medication had a profound effect on his ability to manage chronic pain.”
adj + noun
04. profound impact
“Her teacher's encouragement had a profound impact on her decision to pursue a career in science.”
adj + noun
05. profound implication
“The discovery of water on Mars has profound implications for our search for extraterrestrial life.”
adj + noun
06. profound influence
“Classical philosophy continues to exert a profound influence on modern political thought.”
adj + noun
07. profound toll
08. profound consequences
09. profound implications
10. profound sadness
11. profound shock
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/profound
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0