profound

[pruh-found, proh‐]

adjective

profounder, profoundest 

1. penetrating or entering deeply into subjects of thought or knowledge; having deep insight or understanding.

   a profound thinker.

   Synonyms: sagacious, deep
   Antonyms: superficial, shallow

2. originating in or penetrating to the depths of one's being: profound grief.

3. being or going far beneath what is superficial, external, or obvious.

   profound insight.

4. of deep meaning; of great and broadly inclusive significance.

   a profound book.

5. pervasive or intense; thorough; complete.

   a profound silence.

6. extending, situated, or originating far down, or far beneath the surface.

   the profound depths of the ocean.

7. bending or passing far downward; low.

   a profound bow.

noun

Literary.

1. something that is profound.

2. the deep sea; ocean.

3. depth; abyss.

profound

/ prəˈfʌndɪtɪ, prəˈfaʊnd /

adjective

1. penetrating deeply into subjects or ideas

   a profound mind

2. showing or requiring great knowledge or understanding

   a profound treatise

3. situated at or extending to a great depth

4. reaching to or stemming from the depths of one's nature

   profound regret

5. intense or absolute

   profound silence

6. thoroughgoing; extensive

   profound changes

noun

1. archaic,  a great depth; abyss

Other Word Forms

• profoundly adverb
• profoundness noun
• unprofound adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of profound¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin profundus “deep, vast,” equivalent to pro- pro- ¹ + fundus “bottom” ( found ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of profound¹

C14: from Old French profund, from Latin profundus deep, from _pro- ¹ + fundus bottom

Example Sentences

The poignance of Gaines’ practice lies in his ability to form entirely new, generative structures — a mindset with profound implications beyond art-making.

From Los Angeles Times

But the college experience, he later said, had an even more profound impact on Raveling.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, though, he is sidelined until 2026, and the Padres recognize that the loss is profound.

From Los Angeles Times

"The murder of the deceased has caused profound grief to the deceased's family, his young children and all who knew him," he said.

From BBC

But when it came to working with Kershaw, the idea of the “bowl” helped trigger a profound physical breakthrough.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abject 
• absolute 
• acute 
• deep 
• deep-seated 
• extensive 
• extreme 
• far-reaching 
• great 
• heartfelt 
• sincere 
• thorough 
• utter