profound

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

Updated on: 13 May 2018

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

Sometimes, being compassionate is the most profound form of cruelty.

— christine m. flowers, Philly.com, "'Damage control' language on opioids is a mistake | Christine Flowers," 10 May 2018
Yet Post’s most profound act of rebellion came embedded in his music.

— bill brownlee, kansascity, "Delays test patience of Post Malone fans at Flyover festival in Bonner Springs | The Kansas City Star," 6 May 2018
But most profound for me was the way Ye and Charlamagne opened up a real space to talk about the triggers for mental illness and the ways in which black men, in particular, are navigating it.

— angela helm, The Root, "Kanye West and Charlamagne Open Up Space to Talk About Black Men and Mental Health," 2 May 2018
Only a fraction has gone to institutions where the storm had its most profound impact: Puerto Rico.

— erica l. green and emily cochrane, New York Times, "In Devastated Puerto Rico, Universities Get Just a Fraction of Storm Aid," 1 May 2018
But there’s a resume of social and cultural accomplishment that somehow has to be squared with the most profound personal evil.

— ty burr, BostonGlobe.com, "There’s no separating Cosby’s legacy as a symbol of unity and the face of evil," 27 Apr. 2018
For all the apparent differences, the two were alike in at least one profound way.

— james vlahos, GQ, "The Mystery of the Killer Vacation," 18 Apr. 2018
Anderson brought to them the intensity of Bach's most profound arias.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "Kathleen Battle, Julia Bullock and the saga of opera singers of color," 5 Apr. 2018
So, why exactly does the brain malfunction in such a profound way without sleep?

— wes judd, Outside Online, "What Happens to Your Body on No Sleep," 2 Apr. 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.