n.
Pronunciation: pr ə - ' fau ̇ nd, pr ō -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French parfunt, profond deep, from Latin profundus, from pro- before + fundus bottom ― more at PRO- , BOTTOM
Date: 14th century
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 · ly \ - ' fau ̇ n(d)-l ē \ adverb
– pro · found · ness \ - ' fau ̇ n(d)-n ə s \ noun