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 aof 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