profundity

noun

pro·​fun·​di·​ty prə-ˈfən-də-tē How to pronounce profundity (audio)
plural profundities
1
a
: intellectual depth
b
: something profound or abstruse
2
: the quality or state of being profound or deep

Examples of profundity in a Sentence

the profundity of his thoughts Her books are a mixture of playfulness and profundity. the depth and profundity of her feelings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And yet, Einstein’s key insights, and the profundity of special relativity, were lauded and marveled at by even the physicists who had discovered the transformations previously. Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025 As with many of Burton's best films, the real magic is the nuggets of human profundity hidden within the bleak imagery and whimsical comedy. Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 Despite the political specificity of the family history unearthed here, the script presumes a level of profundity that’s just not there in the movie’s ponderous silences and woozy montages. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025 Lockwood says she’s often asked about her ability to toggle literary voice on a dime, ricocheting, like an elementary school PhD candidate, between potty humor and profundity. Eric Olson september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profundity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English profundite, from Latin profunditat-, profunditas depth, from profundus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of profundity was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profundity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profundity. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

profundity

noun
pro·​fun·​di·​ty prə-ˈfən-dət-ē How to pronounce profundity (audio)
plural profundities
1
: great knowledge or understanding
2
: something profound

More from Merriam-Webster on profundity

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