depth

depth

noun \ˈdepth\

plural depths\ˈdepths, ˈdep(t)s\

Definition of DEPTH

1

a (1) : a deep place in a body of water <fish living at great depths> (2) : a part that is far from the outside or surface <the depths of the woods> (3) : abyss 2 b (1) : a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling) <the depths of misery>; also : a reprehensibly low condition <hadn't realized that standards had fallen to such depths> (2) : the middle of a time (as winter) (3) : the worst part

2

a : the perpendicular measurement downward from a surface b : the direct linear measurement from front to back

3

: the quality of being deep

4

: the degree of intensity <depth of a color>; also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge)

5

: the quality or state of being complete or thorough <a study will be made in depth>

6

: a large number of good players <a team that lacks depth>

— depth·less \ˈdepth-ləs\ adjective

— beyond one's depth or out of one's depth

: beyond the limits of one's capabilities <an actor who is clearly out of his depth in serious drama>

Examples of DEPTH

1. These fish typically live at depths of 500 feet or more.
2. Students will test the temperature of the water at different depths.
3. The boat sank to a depth of several hundred feet.
4. measuring the depth of the water
5. the depth of a hole
6. The pool has a depth of 12 feet.
7. I began working at the factory during the depth of the Depression.

Origin of DEPTH

Middle English, from dep deep

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DEPTH

Synonyms: deepness, drop

Antonyms: acme, apex, climax, crown, culmination, head, height, high-water mark, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith

Related Words: lowness; draft, sounding

Near Antonyms: shallowness; altitude, elevation, height, stature

see all synonyms and antonyms

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