profound

adjective pro·found \ prə-ˈfau̇nd , prō- \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

Examples: profound in a Sentence

Definition of profound

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

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profoundly

play \prə-ˈfau̇n(d)-lē, prō-\ adverb

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profoundness

play \prə-ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs, prō-\ noun

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Examples of profound in a Sentence

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 of profound from the Web

But those on the hard right who equate white Western civilization with the Roman empire are in profound error.

— josephine livingstone, The New Republic, "Rod Dreher’s Bad History," 3 July 2018
Federer exudes worldly charm, and Nadal melts your heart with his profound humility.

— andrew lawrence, The Atlantic, "What’s Going on With Novak Djokovic?," 30 June 2018
Gonzalez prayed that the family would find peace in the midst of their profound pain.

— michael williams, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Dozens pay tribute to slain children at prayer service: 'Love conquers everything'," 23 June 2018
Just like our mortal conversations, dialogue with the dead can range from profound to petty.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "A Beginner’s Guide to Communicating With Spirits on the Other Side," 19 June 2018
Intel’s 28-core chip, the 8086K Anniversary Edition, and more—was something a bit more fundamental: the development of 1-watt display panels, which will have a profound impact on battery life.

— mark hachman, PCWorld, "Intel explains how 1-watt panels will add hours to your laptop's battery life," 7 June 2018
This feels like a higher calling, a profound leapfrog.

— will hall, Recode, "Hey Siri, we have to talk," 4 June 2018
His impact on the industry was so profound that in 1985, Fortune magazine inducted him in the National Business Hall of Fame, enshrining him alongside the likes of John D. Rockefeller, Walt Disney, Henry Ford, J.P. Morgan and Eli Whitney.

— contributing writer, NOLA.com, "He was considered the father of the offshore oil industry. Can you name him?," 16 May 2018
Today what the Mexican people contribute to the state is so profound.

— matt vella, Time, "Francis Ford Coppola on Art, Immigration and Going to School with Donald Trump," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'profound.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.