Deepening: meaning, definitions and examples

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deepening

 

[ ˈdiːpənɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

intensifying understanding

Deepening refers to the act of making something deeper or more profound. This can apply to various contexts, such as understanding, emotions, or physical spaces. When we talk about deepening our understanding, we mean to explore a topic more thoroughly or comprehensively. Furthermore, deepening can also relate to the physical characteristics, such as a deepening sound or water body. It indicates not just a change but an enhancement in quality or intensity.

Synonyms

enhancing, expanding, intensifying, profounding

Examples of usage

  • They are deepening their knowledge of the subject.
  • The well is deepening as more water is added.
  • Her feelings for him are deepening over time.
Context #2 | Noun

process of enhancing

As a noun, deepening refers to the process or action of becoming deeper or more intense. This can relate to personal development, such as deepening relationships or emotional bonds. The concept is often associated with a journey towards greater understanding or greater emotional resonance. In environmental terms, deepening can refer to the physical alteration of a space, such as the deepening of a riverbed.

Synonyms

enhancement, expansion, growth, intensification

Examples of usage

  • The deepening of their friendship was evident.
  • There is a deepening in the conversation.
  • This process involves the deepening of community ties.

Translations

Translations of the word "deepening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aprofundamento

🇮🇳 गहराई

🇩🇪 Vertiefung

🇮🇩 pendalaman

🇺🇦 углиблення

🇵🇱 pogłębianie

🇯🇵 深化

🇫🇷 approfondissement

🇪🇸 profundización

🇹🇷 derinleştirme

🇰🇷 심화

🇸🇦 تعميق

🇨🇿 prohloubení

🇸🇰 prehlbovanie

🇨🇳 加深

🇸🇮 poglabljanje

🇮🇸 dýpkun

🇰🇿 тереңдету

🇬🇪 სიღრმისეული

🇦🇿 dərinləşdirmə

🇲🇽 profundización

Etymology

The term 'deepening' stems from the adjective 'deep,' which has roots in Old English 'deop,' meaning 'profound or far below the surface.' This word can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*deupaz,' which has analogs in several other Germanic languages, indicating a broad historical significance. 'Deep' itself has connections to various languages, including Old Norse 'djúpr' and German 'tief,' all carrying similar meanings related to depth in both literal and metaphorical senses. The suffix '-ening' attaches to a verb to indicate an ongoing process or action, which in the case of 'deepening,' transforms the characteristic of depth into the idea of becoming deeper or more intense. This morphological combination has been employed in English since at least the Middle Ages, allowing the word to convey both physical and emotional changes over time.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,217, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.