Meaning of Word
Profound refers to something that is deep, significant, or intense in nature. It can describe thoughts, emotions, or experiences that are deeply felt or have a lasting impact.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Adjective: Having deep meaning or significance, often beyond the surface level.
- Adjective: Showing great insight or understanding, especially in intellectual or philosophical matters.
- Adjective: Very intense or extreme in degree, especially in terms of emotions or effects.
- Adjective: Located far below the surface or depth of something (used in physical contexts like “profound depth”).
History and Origin
The word “profound” comes from the Latin “profundus”, meaning “deep” or “bottomless.” It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something that is deep in meaning or significance, evolving from its literal sense of physical depth to a more figurative sense of mental, emotional, or spiritual depth.
Detailed Explanation
Profound typically refers to things that are deep or far-reaching in nature. It is used to describe insights, thoughts, or emotions that are complex, thoughtful, and impactful. When something is profound, it is not superficial or easily understood; it often requires reflection and consideration to fully grasp its significance. The term can also be used to express the intensity of feelings or effects, such as profound grief or profound joy. In a physical sense, it can describe something that is very deep, such as the profound depths of the ocean.
Example Sentences
- The philosopher’s profound insights changed the way we think about ethics.
- His speech had a profound impact on the audience, leaving many in tears.
- The loss of her childhood pet was a profound experience that shaped her outlook on life.
- The book offers a profound exploration of human nature and relationships.
- She gave a profound answer to the complex question, showing great understanding.
- The documentary on climate change had a profound effect on public awareness.
- His profound love for music led him to become a composer.
- The artist’s work is filled with profound symbolism that invites deep interpretation.
- After the accident, he underwent profound changes in his personality and outlook.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Deep: Intense or significant, especially in terms of meaning or impact.
- Meaningful: Having great significance or importance, often in an emotional or intellectual context.
- Insightful: Showing deep understanding or perception, often leading to profound conclusions.
- Intense: Strong or powerful in effect, often describing emotions or experiences that are profound.
- Serious: Not trivial, often used to describe profound issues or matters requiring thoughtful consideration.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Wisdom: The quality of having profound knowledge and judgment, often earned through experience.
- Reflection: Deep thought or consideration, often related to profound experiences or insights.
- Enlightenment: A state of gaining profound insight or understanding, especially about life or the universe.
- Philosophy: The study of fundamental questions, often exploring profound topics like existence, knowledge, and ethics.
- Contemplation: The act of thinking deeply about something, often leading to profound insights or realizations.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Profound Effect: A deep and lasting impact, often used in the context of emotional or societal change.
- Profound Understanding: A deep or insightful grasp of a subject or issue.
- Profound Change: A significant or fundamental shift, often in perspective, behavior, or condition.
- Profound Thought: A deeply considered idea or reflection, often complex and intellectually engaging.
- Profound Silence: A deep and absolute quietness, often used to indicate a solemn or impactful moment.
Antonyms
- Superficial: Lacking depth or substance, the opposite of profound.
- Shallow: Not deep, either physically or in terms of meaning or insight.
- Trivial: Of little importance or significance, the opposite of something profound.
- Frivolous: Lacking serious thought or depth, often associated with things that are not profound.
- Insignificant: Having little or no importance, in contrast to something profound.