profound

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​found prə-ˈfau̇nd How to pronounce profound (audio)
prō-
1
a
: having intellectual depth and insight
b
: difficult to fathom or understand
2
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
profoundly adverb
profoundness noun

profound

2 of 2

noun

pro·​found prə-ˈfau̇nd How to pronounce profound (audio)
prō-
archaic
: something that is very deep
specifically : the depths of the sea

Examples of profound in a Sentence

Adjective Here, for the first time, a journalist gains access to the archive of one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history. Its contents, as much literature as science, offer profound insight into the human condition—and into the brilliant, complex mind of the study's longtime director, George Vaillant. Joshua Wolf Shenk, Atlantic, June 2009
This isn't escapism, or denial of grief; it is acceptance of the facts of life, the map of profound relationship to the grief that is part of life … Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
The status of women, though probably the most profound single difference between the two civilizations, attracted far less attention than such matters as guns, factories and parliaments. Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002
Despite all the respect, it was hard not to feel a twinge of schadenfreude at O'Hara's fall from esteem, which had caused him profound bitterness. Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
His knowledge of history is profound. Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage. the profound mysteries of outer space a profound sense of loss His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The display celebrates her extensive creative collaborations, activism and profound cultural influence. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024 Paltrow says regular meditation can yield profound results. USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 The experience changed Cecilia, although Andrew Lobel’s screenplay seems uninterested in the details of that profound transformation. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 This, suffice it to say, is representative of a profound problem with our political and legal cultures. The Editors, National Review, 13 Mar. 2024 An article on Friday about an autopsy report that showed profound brain damage in a gunman who carried out a mass shooting in Maine referred imprecisely to the gunman’s employment as a recycling truck driver. New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 The historical changes that took place in the century plus between Wilson’s comments and Raimondo’s were profound. Jami Miscik, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2024 This disruption may be invisible to us, but the consequences can be profound. TIME, 9 Mar. 2024 His harmonic intelligence was profound; his touch on the keys was exquisitely sensitive. James Kaplan, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'profound.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profound was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near profound

Cite this Entry

“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profound. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

profound

adjective
pro·​found
prə-ˈfau̇nd
1
: having or showing great knowledge or understanding
a profound thinker
2
: very deeply felt
profound sorrow
3
: absolute sense 1a, complete
a profound silence
profoundly
-ˈfau̇n-(d)lē
adverb
profoundness
-ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs
noun

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