Depth Meaning

UK /dɛpθ/
US /dɛpθ/
Word Definition
depth meaning

Depth Definition & Usage

noun

The measurement of the distance from the surface or top to the bottom of something, typically used for bodies of water, holes, or any other deep structures.

Examples

  • "The diver reached a depth of 100 meters before ascending."
  • "The depth of the lake is over 200 feet, making it one of the deepest in the region."
  • "A well with a depth of 30 feet was drilled to access groundwater."
  • "The trench's depth was staggering, making it dangerous for explorers."
  • "He plunged into the depths of the ocean, surrounded by the eerie silence of the deep."
noun

The intensity, complexity, or profundity of something, such as thought, emotion, or artistic work.

Examples

  • "Her analysis of the novel was full of depth, touching on themes I hadn’t even considered."
  • "The depth of his grief was evident in his eyes, a sorrow that seemed to stretch beyond words."
  • "The speech was full of depth, exploring complex political issues with nuance."
  • "I appreciate the depth of character in her acting—there’s always something new to discover."
  • "The conversation turned to more profound matters, delving into the depths of philosophy."
noun

The extent to which something has been explored, developed, or considered, particularly in relation to how deep or thorough an effort is.

Examples

  • "The depth of his research into climate change impressed the committee."
  • "The depth of the project’s scope required more time and resources than originally planned."
  • "I didn’t realize the depth of the problem until I started working on it."
  • "Her depth of knowledge on the subject made her an invaluable asset to the team."
  • "At first, I thought the issue was simple, but the depth of the situation became clearer as we went on."

Cultural Context

The word 'depth' has evolved over centuries, with its primary meanings originating from physical space to also include figurative senses. It has been used in various disciplines, including physics (depth of fields), art (depth in perspective), psychology (emotional depth), and philosophy (depth of thought).

The Depths of Discovery

Story

The Depths of Discovery

Julia stood at the edge of the lake, looking out over the still waters. The morning mist hung low, shrouding the surface in a veil of mystery. As she gazed into the distance, she couldn't help but think about the depth of the lake, which, though only a few feet deep near the shore, fell into a dark abyss as it stretched farther out. It was a depth that had always fascinated her, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. This fascination had led her to explore deeper questions in life. For years, Julia had been a curious observer, but it wasn’t until she began to study philosophy that the true depth of human understanding caught her attention. One evening, while attending a lecture on existentialism, her professor had asked, 'How deep are you willing to go in your search for truth?' The question lingered in her mind long after the lecture ended. That night, she reflected on her own journey—how her research into the human condition had only scratched the surface. She realized that the depth of knowledge was not something one could conquer in a single lifetime, but something to be continuously explored, like the lake, always offering new layers to uncover. As Julia prepared for her upcoming debate, she considered the depth of the topic they would be discussing: artificial intelligence and ethics. It was a subject she had studied extensively, but she knew there were still many uncharted depths to explore. The next day, in the debate hall, Julia presented her ideas confidently. Her argument had depth—each point was carefully considered and backed by thorough research. She could feel the weight of the discussion pressing upon her as the conversation delved into questions of morality, free will, and technology. She saw in her opponent’s eyes a similar realization: the depth of the issue was far greater than either of them had anticipated. After the debate, Julia stood at the lake once more, looking down into the clear water. It was a reminder of the vastness of both the physical world and the intellectual realms they inhabited. She smiled, understanding that it was not just the lake's depth that intrigued her—it was the endless pursuit of depth in all things that made life truly remarkable.

The Depths of Discovery