# profoundly

/pɹoʊˈfaʊndɫi/ (US) · /pɹəfˈaʊndli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/profoundly
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. extremely or deeply

adverb · CEFR B2

very much; used to show that a feeling or quality is extremely strong.

For teachers: to a very great or intense degree; used to modify adjectives or verbs related to feelings and states of being.

- The news of his friend's recovery moved him profoundly.
- The speaker's personal account of the tragedy was profoundly moving, leaving the entire audience in a state of reflective silence.

### 2. completely or fundamentally

adverb · CEFR C1 · Academic

in a way that changes the most important parts of something.

For teachers: in a manner that affects the fundamental nature or essence of something; used to describe systemic or structural shifts.

- The internet has profoundly changed the way we communicate with each other.
- The discovery of the new manuscript has profoundly altered our understanding of the poet's early development and political leanings.

### 3. with great wisdom

adverb · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

in a way that shows deep thought or great knowledge.

For teachers: in a way that demonstrates deep insight or intellectual depth.

- She spoke profoundly about the meaning of life and happiness.
- He wrote profoundly on the intersection of ethics and technology, challenging readers to consider the long-term consequences of their innovations.

## Examples

- The movie affected me profoundly.
- The discovery of the new vaccine will profoundly change the way we treat this disease in the future.
- The philosopher's arguments were so profoundly insightful that they forced the entire scientific community to rethink their assumptions about human consciousness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.