Main Entry:

¹pro·found

Pronunciation:

\prə-ˈfau̇nd, prō-\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French parfunt, profond deep, from Latin profundus, from pro- before + fundus bottom — more at pro-, bottom

Date:

14th century

1 a: having intellectual depth and insight b: difficult to fathom or understand2 a: extending far below the surface b: coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated <a profound sigh>3 a: characterized by intensity of feeling or quality b: all encompassing : complete <profound sleep> <profound deafness>

— pro·found·ly \-ˈfau̇n(d)-lē\ adverb

— pro·found·ness \-ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs\ noun