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profound

adj.
US //pɹoʊˈfaʊnd// UK //pɹəfˈaʊnd// pro·found
  1. 1 intense or deeply felt (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to describe a very strong feeling or effect.

    characterised by great intensity or emotional depth; pervading.

    Example

    The death of his grandfather had a profound effect on his childhood.

    Example

    The sudden economic shift had a profound impact on the local community, altering the social fabric for generations to come.
  2. 2 intellectually deep (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    showing great knowledge or understanding of a difficult subject.

    requiring or exhibiting deep intellectual insight; reaching the core of a complex matter.

    Example

    The professor offered a profound explanation of the poem's meaning.

    Example

    His latest book provides a profound analysis of the relationship between language and thought in early childhood development.
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  1. 3 complete or total (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    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.

    Example

    A profound silence fell over the room after she finished speaking.

    Example

    The patient suffered from profound deafness in both ears following the infection.
  2. 4 physically deep (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    reaching far down below the surface.

    extending to a great depth physically; situated far below the surface.

    Example

    The divers explored the profound depths of the ocean trench.

    Example

    The explorers stared into the profound darkness of the cavern, unable to see where the floor began.
Origin

From Middle English profound, profounde, from Anglo-Norman profound, from Old French profont, profonde, from Latin profundus (“deep, profound”), from prō + fundus (“bottom; foundation”).

Word family

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