Main Entry: ¹deep

Pronunciation: \ˈdēp\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English dep, from Old English dēop; akin to Old High German tiof deep, Old English dyppan to dip — more at dip

Date: before 12th century

1 : extending far from some surface or area: as a : extending far downward <a deep well> b (1) : extending well inward from an outer surface <a deep gash> <a deep-chested animal> (2) : not located superficially within the body <deep pressure receptors in muscles> c : extending well back from a surface accepted as front <a deep closet> d : extending far laterally from the center <deep borders of lace> e : occurring or located near the outer limits of the playing area <hit to deep right field> f : thrown deep <a deep pass>
2 : having a specified extension in an implied direction usually downward or backward <a shelf 20 inches deep> <cars parked three-deep>
3 a : difficult to penetrate or comprehend : recondite <deep mathematical problems> b : mysterious, obscure <a deep dark secret> c : grave in nature or effect <in deepest disgrace> d : of penetrating intellect : wise <a deep thinker> e : intensely engrossed or immersed <she was deep in her book> f : characterized by profundity of feeling or quality <a deep sleep>; also : deep-seated <deep religious beliefs>
4 a of color : high in saturation and low in lightness b : having a low musical pitch or pitch range <a deep voice>
5 a : situated well within the boundaries <a house deep in the woods> b : remote in time or space c : being below the level of consciousness <deep neuroses> d : covered, enclosed, or filled to a specified degree —usually used in combination <ankle-deep in mud>
6 : large <deep discounts>
7 : having many good players <a deep bull pen>

synonyms see broad

— deep·ly adverb

— deep·ness noun

— in deep water : in difficulty or distress