pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd 
prō-
1
a
: having intellectual depth and insight
a profound thinker
a profound knowledge of history
Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage.
b
: difficult to fathom or understand
the profound mysteries of outer space
2
a
: characterized by intensity of feeling or quality
profound sorrow
Sometimes Greek authors wrote in the mode of pure eroticism, sometimes in terms of profound emotion, and sometimes in the simple sense of lust.—
Sarah Nooter
Sarah Nooter
b
: very great or significant
Their paintings have had a profound impact on my own work.
Technology has made profound changes in our lives.
profound differences
c
: all encompassing : complete
profound sleep
3
a
: extending far below the surface
b
: coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated
a profound sigh
profoundly
prə-ˈfau̇n(d)-lē
adverb
prō-
The discovery is profoundly important.
Their beliefs are profoundly different.
pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd
prō-
archaic
: something that is very deep
specifically
: the depths of the sea
Examples of profound in a Sentence
Adjective
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.
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 on the Web
MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The reason so many people feel off track when daylight savings time ends is because light has a profound effect on the circadian rhythm, the body’s natural 24-hour clock that dictates when one sleeps and wakes.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2025
The problem with pitching, however, is any adjustment would result in a profound change to the sport.
—Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
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Adjective
The national ramifications would be equally profound.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The reason so many people feel off track when daylight savings time ends is because light has a profound effect on the circadian rhythm, the body’s natural 24-hour clock that dictates when one sleeps and wakes.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2025
The problem with pitching, however, is any adjustment would result in a profound change to the sport.
—Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profound. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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