Profound

Definition

Profound pertains to something that is very deep in meaning, intense, or extending far below the surface.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /proʊˈfaʊnd/
• Respelling: pro-FOUND (with "pro" as in "pro," and "FOUND" as in "found")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈfaʊnd/
• Respelling: pruh-FOUND (with "pruh" as a less emphasized "pro," and "FOUND" as in "found")

In both dialects, "profound" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "FOUND." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "FOUND" part.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French word "profond", which means "deep, vast." This, in turn, comes from the Latin "profundus", where "pro-" means "forth" and "-fundus" signifies "bottom".

Derivatives

• Profoundly
• Profoundness
• Profundity
• Unprofound (rare)
• Profounder (comparative)

Synonyms

• Deep
• Intense
• Penetrating

Antonyms

• Superficial
• Shallow
• Trivial

Usage

"Profound" is often utilized to describe ideas, thoughts, or emotions that have deep significance or intensity. It can also describe physical depth.

Related Terms

• Depth
• Intensity
• Penetration

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Deep in Meaning or Thought: Having deep insight or understanding.
• Example: Her book offers a profound analysis of human nature.

• Intense or Strong: Being of great intensity or depth.
• Example: After the accident, he felt a profound sadness.

• Extending Far Below: Being far below the surface.
• Example: The ocean had profound depths that remained unexplored.

Noun

• The Vast Depths or Abyss: Often used in a figurative sense to represent the vastness or depth of something.
• Example: He felt as though he was staring into the profound of human existence.