pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd 
prō-
1
a
: having intellectual depth and insight
b
: difficult to fathom or understand
2
a
: extending far below the surface
b
: coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated
a profound sigh
3
a
: characterized by intensity of feeling or quality
b
: all encompassing : complete
profound sleep
profound deafness
pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd
prō-
archaic
: something that is very deep
specifically
: the depths of the sea
Examples of profound in a Sentence
Adjective
Here, for the first time, a journalist gains access to the archive of one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history. Its contents, as much literature as science, offer profound insight into the human condition—and into the brilliant, complex mind of the study's longtime director, George Vaillant.
—
Joshua Wolf Shenk, Atlantic, June 2009
This isn't escapism, or denial of grief; it is acceptance of the facts of life, the map of profound relationship to the grief that is part of life …
—Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
The status of women, though probably the most profound single difference between the two civilizations, attracted far less attention than such matters as guns, factories and parliaments.
—Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002
Despite all the respect, it was hard not to feel a twinge of schadenfreude at O'Hara's fall from esteem, which had caused him profound bitterness.
—Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
His knowledge of history is profound.
Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage.
the profound mysteries of outer space
a profound sense of loss
His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work.
Joshua Wolf Shenk, Atlantic, June 2009
This isn't escapism, or denial of grief; it is acceptance of the facts of life, the map of profound relationship to the grief that is part of life …
—Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
The status of women, though probably the most profound single difference between the two civilizations, attracted far less attention than such matters as guns, factories and parliaments.
—Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002
Despite all the respect, it was hard not to feel a twinge of schadenfreude at O'Hara's fall from esteem, which had caused him profound bitterness.
—Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
His knowledge of history is profound.
Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage.
the profound mysteries of outer space
a profound sense of loss
His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ana Morales, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Erasing traditional industry hierarchies represents the most profound difference between the British and Swiss approach.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
While carbon dioxide comprises just 0.042 percent (424 ppm) of our atmosphere—up from 0.028 percent in the 1700s—its influence is profound.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
But there’s also a remarkable elasticity to Bennett’s prose: the narrator’s thoughts stretch from the very inconsequential to the most profound.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
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Adjective
Benefits of minimalism As highlighted in Nicodemus and Millburn's podcast and documentary, the benefits of minimalism can be profound.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Erasing traditional industry hierarchies represents the most profound difference between the British and Swiss approach.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
While carbon dioxide comprises just 0.042 percent (424 ppm) of our atmosphere—up from 0.028 percent in the 1700s—its influence is profound.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
But there’s also a remarkable elasticity to Bennett’s prose: the narrator’s thoughts stretch from the very inconsequential to the most profound.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profound. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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