Profound Meaning

UK /prəˈfaʊnd/
US /prəˈfaʊnd/
Word Definition
profound meaning

Profound Definition & Usage

adjective

Having great depth of insight, significance, or intensity, particularly related to intellectual, emotional, or philosophical matters.

Examples

  • "Her profound understanding of human behavior made her an excellent psychologist."
  • "The book left a profound impact on my worldview, challenging everything I thought I knew about history."
  • "He made a profound statement about the nature of life that left everyone speechless."
  • "The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics was profound, unraveling complex concepts with ease."
  • "Their profound love for each other transcended time and space."
adjective

Describing something that is extremely deep or intense in a physical sense.

Examples

  • "The diver explored the profound depths of the ocean, reaching areas no one had ventured before."
  • "The cave's profound darkness made it nearly impossible to see anything."
  • "He stared into the profound chasm, unable to fathom how deep it went."
  • "The profound abyss below us seemed endless, an intimidating void of blackness."
  • "The water became colder and more profound as we descended further into the lake."
adjective

Having a high degree of complexity or intensity, especially when it comes to emotional or intellectual experiences.

Examples

  • "Her profound emotions were so intense that they left her speechless."
  • "The profound complexity of the problem required years of research to solve."
  • "His profound commitment to his career was evident in every action he took."
  • "The music conveyed a profound sense of sadness, touching everyone in the room."
  • "The philosophical debate became profoundly complicated as the participants dug deeper into the issue."

Cultural Context

The word 'profound' originates from the Latin 'profundus', meaning 'deep' or 'bottomless'. It has evolved to describe not only physical depth but also metaphorical or intellectual depth. In modern usage, it can refer to anything from deep emotional experiences to complex intellectual ideas.

The Depths of Understanding

Story

The Depths of Understanding

In the quiet village of Aranfield, there was a professor who was known for his profound insights into the human condition. His name was Dr. Elias, and his lectures on philosophy often left his students in deep thought. One day, a young student named Clara, struggling with her own emotions, attended his class on the nature of love. She was moved by the professor's profound words, which seemed to resonate with her own inner turmoil. 'Love is not just an emotion,' Dr. Elias said, 'it is a profound understanding of another's soul, one that requires depth, patience, and unwavering commitment.' As Clara pondered these words, she found herself reflecting on the profound love she had for her family. It was a love that had stood the test of time, full of both complexity and simplicity. That night, as she walked by the lake near the village, Clara looked out at the profound stillness of the water, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She realized that the world, with all its complexities, held profound beauty in the most unexpected places. As she returned home, she understood that the depth of human connection and understanding could truly change the way one viewed life itself.

The Depths of Understanding