pro ‧ found /prəˈfaʊnd/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: profond 'deep' , from Latin profundus , from fundus 'bottom' ]
1 . having a strong influence or effect
profound effect/influence/impact/consequence etc
Tolstoy’s experiences of war had a profound effect on his work.
The mother’s behaviour has a profound impact on the developing child.
profound changes in society
2 . showing strong serious feelings SYN deep :
a profound sense of guilt
3 . showing great knowledge and understanding SYN deep :
a profound question
Jenner is a profound thinker.
4 . literary deep or far below the surface of something SYN deep :
Her work touches something profound in the human psyche.
5 . complete:
profound deafness
—profoundly adverb :
profoundly disturbing news