profound
Very great or intense; showing deep insight or understanding
Examples
In a meeting
“The merger will have a profound impact on our organizational structure.”
Over coffee
“That documentary had a profound effect on how I think about food.”
Why this word
deep
Profound implies intellectual or emotional depth with lasting significance, while deep is more general and can refer to physical depth or simple intensity
serious
Profound suggests penetrating insight or fundamental importance, while serious merely indicates gravity or lack of frivolity
intense
Profound emphasizes meaningful depth and wisdom, while intense only conveys strength or extremity without implying thoughtfulness
Usage tip
Reserve for truly significant impacts or insights; overuse diminishes its power
Etymology
Latin 'profundus' meaning 'deep, bottomless' (from 'pro-' forward + 'fundus' bottom)
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Related words
watershed
A turning point or dividing line; a critical moment marking change
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.