Profound: meaning, definitions and examples

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profound

[prəˈfaʊnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

deep

Having or showing great knowledge or insight.

Synonyms

deep, intense, significant, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
profound	Used when expressing feelings, thoughts, or experiences that are very great or intense. Her speech had a profound impact on the audience He was in profound sorrow after the loss of his friend
deep	Typically refers to something that is very intense or great in extent, but can also be used in a physical sense. He took a deep breath before starting the presentation The lake is very deep in the middle
intense	Refers to something that is extremely strong or severe, often used for emotions or sensations. The intense heat made it difficult to work outside She felt an intense joy when she saw her child
significant	Used when describing something that is notable, important, or meaningful. The discovery was significant for the scientific community He experienced a significant improvement in his health after the treatment
thoughtful	Refers to someone who is considerate and attentive to the needs of others, or something that is carefully considered and reflects deep thinking. She gave him a thoughtful gift for his birthday His thoughtful approach to solving problems is appreciated by everyone

Examples of usage

Her profound understanding of human nature
The professor's profound analysis of the situation revealed many layers of complexity.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

intense

Very great or intense.

Synonyms

extreme, intense, serious, severe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
profound	Used to describe something very deep, significant, or thoughtful. Often employed in intellectual or emotional contexts. He had a profound understanding of philosophy. The lecture left a profound impact on students.
intense	Used to describe something exceptionally strong or forceful. Commonly used in both emotional and physical contexts. The competition was intense. He felt intense pain after the injury.
extreme	Used to describe something at the very end of a spectrum, often conveying high levels of intensity or conditions. Can be positive or negative depending on context. The athlete performed an extreme stunt. The weather conditions were extreme, making travel dangerous.
serious	Used to describe a situation or condition that requires careful thought, concern, or is of great importance. The tone is often solemn. The company is facing serious financial challenges. She had a serious look on her face while reading the report.
severe	Used to describe something very harsh, strict, or extreme in a negative sense. Often related to conditions, penalties, or difficulties. The storm caused severe damage to the property. He received a severe punishment for breaking the rules.

Examples of usage

The profound impact of the movie left the audience speechless.
The loss of a loved one can bring profound sadness.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

philosophical

A person who has great knowledge or insight, especially in a particular area.

Synonyms

authority, expert, scholar, specialist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
profound	This word is suitable when describing deep, significant, or intense understanding, thoughts, or feelings. It often has a positive connotation and is used to emphasize the depth of knowledge or experience. He has a profound understanding of quantum physics. Her speech had a profound impact on the audience.
expert	This word is used to describe someone who has exceptional skill or knowledge in a particular area. It emphasizes high proficiency and competence. She is an expert in digital marketing. The company hired an expert to solve the technical issue.
authority	This word is appropriate when referring to a person who has extensive knowledge or expertise in a particular field and is often in a position to influence or control. It suggests a recognized level of control or superior knowledge. Dr. Smith is an authority on ancient history. The book is considered an authority on the subject of marine biology.
scholar	This word fits when talking about someone who is deeply involved in academic research or studies, usually within a specific field. It often pertains to individuals who contribute to academic knowledge. He is a renowned scholar in medieval literature. The university invited several scholars to present their research.
specialist	Use this word to describe someone who focuses on a specific area of study or work, often in a medical or technical field. It highlights a narrower scope of expertise compared to 'expert'. She is a heart specialist with over 20 years of experience. We need to consult a specialist to fix this issue.

Examples of usage

She was considered a profound in the field of psychology.
His reputation as a profound in literature was well-deserved.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'profundus,' meaning 'deep' or 'bottomless,' which hints at its use to describe deep thoughts.
It has been in the English language since the late 14th century, evolving from its original meaning of physical depth to abstract concepts.

Philosophy

In philosophy, profound ideas challenge existing beliefs and provoke deep understanding or insight about life.
Many philosophers, including Socrates and Nietzsche, often sought to uncover profound truths about existence.

Literature

Literary works often evoke profound emotions, leading readers to reflect on their own experiences and feelings.
Authors like Leo Tolstoy and Virginia Woolf are known for creating profound narratives that explore complex human experiences.

Psychology

In psychology, profound moments can relate to significant life events that alter a person's perspective on themselves or the world.
Profound realizations often occur during psychotherapy, leading to breakthroughs in understanding one’s emotions.

Pop Culture

Themes of profound love and loss are prevalent in popular music, where artists express deep feelings through their lyrics.
Movies often explore profound themes, such as the meaning of life or the importance of relationships, prompting audiences to think deeply.

Translations

Translations of the word "profound" in other languages:

🇵🇹 profundo

🇮🇳 गहरा

🇩🇪 tiefgründig

🇮🇩 mendalam

🇺🇦 глибокий

🇵🇱 głęboki

🇯🇵 深い

🇫🇷 profond

🇪🇸 profundo

🇹🇷 derin

🇰🇷 깊은

🇸🇦 عميق

🇨🇿 hluboký

🇸🇰 hlboký

🇨🇳 深刻的

🇸🇮 globok

🇮🇸 djúp

🇰🇿 терең

🇬🇪 ღრმა

🇦🇿 dərin

🇲🇽 profundo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,014, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4011 potentially
4012 specialized
4013 seats
4014 profound
4015 assurance
4016 enthusiasm
4017 neglected
...