profound

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

Updated on: 16 Apr 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

Even for an actor with a résumé of gold-standard TV shows (Grey's Anatomy,The Good Wife and Supernatural) the change Negan has brought has been profound.

— bryan alexander, USA TODAY, "'Rampage' star Jeffrey Dean Morgan gets emotional about loss, love and baby girl George," 11 Apr. 2018
For Meghan, the level of intimacy in Greece is profound.

— amanda garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Honeymoon, According to an Astrologer," 5 Apr. 2018
The consequences were profound: a surge of industry spending on print and television advertising describing non-opioid drugs to the public that hit a peak of $3.3 billion in 2006.

— jon kelvey, Smithsonian, "How Advertising Shaped the First Opioid Epidemic," 3 Apr. 2018
The effect has been profound, helping to cement a peace deal in 2016.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "What to make of a North Korean apology," 2 Apr. 2018
The hours of interviews revealed a profound sense of frustration, bordering on anger.

— NBC News, "White House chaos jeopardizes war on ISIS, U.S. commanders warn," 30 Mar. 2018
The implications of the UDO for Charlotte are profound.

— ely portillo, charlotteobserver, "‘It’s still very muddled.’ How rewriting zoning rules leaves city leaders confused. | Charlotte Observer," 6 Mar. 2018
Shrinkage is even more profound where potting soil contains large amounts of peat, as is the case with hot house azaleas.

— maureen gilmer, idahostatesman, "Consider hand-watering in pots | Idaho Statesman," 28 Feb. 2018
And that ultimately is what the artist's work is about: Indian experience fully rendered, with nuance, depth and a profound sense of history.

— carolina a. miranda, latimes.com, "What you say can be used in an Edgar Heap of Birds painting: The artist on his way with words," 14 Feb. 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.