— profoundly , adv. — profoundness , n.
/preuh fownd"/ , adj., profounder, profoundest , n. adj.
1. penetrating or entering deeply into subjects of thought or knowledge; having deep insight or understanding: a profound thinker.
2. originating in or penetrating to the depths of one's being; profound grief.
3. being or going far beneath what is superficial, external, or obvious: profound insight.
4. of deep meaning; of great and broadly inclusive significance: a profound book.
5. pervasive or intense; thorough; complete: a profound silence.
6. extending, situated, or originating far down, or far beneath the surface: the profound depths of the ocean.
7. low: a profound bow.
8. deep.
n. Literary.
9. something that is profound.
10. the deep sea; ocean.
11. depth; abyss.
[ 1275-1325; ME profundus deep, vast, equiv. to pro- PRO- 1 + fundus bottom (see FOUND 2 ) ]
Syn. 1. deep, sagacious.
Ant. 1. shallow, superficial.