adjective
profound
pruh-FOUND/prəˈfaʊnd/
Extending to great depth.
They embrace with profound emotion at their reunion.
Etymology
The bottom-root anchors the image of depth: Latin profundus described both physical depth and profound qualities. English chiefly uses that depth figuratively, for penetrating thought, significant meaning, or intensely felt emotion.
In context
A moment that connects us across millennia. It is a profound spectacle that touches the very core of human emotion.
More examples
- Underwater cameras reveal life in the lake's profound depths.
- Her simple question raises profound issues about fairness.
- The experience has a profound effect on his outlook.
Forms
profound · profounder · profoundest
profoundly adverb — To a very deep or significant degree.
profundity noun — The quality of being very deep.
Similar words
- deep
- More common for physical distance below a surface.
- bottomless
- Suggests no reachable bottom, rather than simply great depth.