Definition of profound
1a : having intellectual depth and insightb : difficult to fathom or understand
2a : extending far below the surfaceb : coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated a profound sigh
3a : characterized by intensity of feeling or qualityb : all encompassing : complete profound sleep profound deafness
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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
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Here's AFI's full statement: Asghar Farhadi has served as Artist-in-Residence for the past two years at the AFI Conservatory, and his classes had a profound impact upon the 250 young men and women who attend AFI from around the world.
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Easing the restrictions could have a profound public-health impact, champions of the legislation say.
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Vietnam is among the top must-visit locales, not only for its beauty, but also for its profound sense of history.
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The profound contempt that the president and Mrs. Clinton share for Americans isn’t a deal breaker.
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The transformation has been total, maybe even more profound than what photography's undergone.
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I was fascinated by the idea that lithium, a very simple element, had profound effect on people with neuropsychiatric problems.
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Most of them are really trading in a set of material objects (with the imaginative sparks those objects inspire) for another set of objects (which inspire, one hopes, more-profound imaginative sparks).
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.
Origin and Etymology of profound
see 1profound
First Known Use: 1621
PROFOUND Defined for English Language Learners
profound
playDefinition of profound for English Language Learners
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: having or showing great knowledge or understanding
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: difficult to understand : requiring deep thought or wisdom
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: very strongly felt
PROFOUND Defined for Kids
profound
playDefinition of profound for Students
1 : having or showing great knowledge and understanding a profound thinker
2 : very deeply felt profound sorrow
profoundly
adverbLearn More about profound
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See words that rhyme with profound Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for profound Spanish Central: Translation of profound Nglish: Translation of profound for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of profound for Arabic speakers
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