Reading Theme:
Depth Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：how far down (depth)
depth
/dɛpθ/
n.
How far down something is from its top surface to its bottom.
how far down
➕
/haʊ fɑːr daʊn/
n.
Depth refers to the distance from the top or surface of something to its bottom or deepest point.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'dēop' (deep) + '-th' (suffix forming nouns of quality).
💡 Mnemonic
Depth starts like 'deep' (dep) and ends with 'th' like 'thick' — think of a deep, thick layer. The 'th' reminds you it's a measure of thickness.
📖 Example
Before diving, the instructor checked the depth of the lake to ensure it was safe.
Before diving, the instructor checked the depth of the lake to ensure it was safe.
🔗 Collocations
water depth – the depth of a body of water
at a depth of – at a specific distance down from a surface
depth measurement – the act or result of measuring how deep something is
🔄 Synonyms
deepness (n.) – The quality of being deep; synonym of depth.
profundity (n.) – Great depth, especially in a literal sense.
extent (n.) – The distance or area over which something extends; includes depth.
🚫 Antonyms
shallowness (n.) – The quality of being shallow; opposite of depth.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The concept of depth has been central to nautical terms; the phrase 'out of one's depth' originated from swimming in dangerously deep water. It is now widely used in intellectual contexts to describe profound understanding.
Meaning 2：thorough grasp (depth)
depth
/dɛpθ/
n.
How thorough, detailed, or complete your understanding or analysis of something is.
thorough grasp
➕
/ˈθɜːroʊ ɡræsp/
n.
Depth in this sense means the quality of being thorough, detailed, and showing a deep understanding of a subject.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her essay showed great depth because she explored not just the facts but also the historical reasons behind them.
Her essay showed great depth because she explored not just the facts but also the historical reasons behind them.
🔗 Collocations
in-depth analysis – a thorough and detailed examination
depth of knowledge – the extent of one's understanding in a subject
great depth – a high level of thoroughness or complexity
🔄 Synonyms
thoroughness (n.) – The quality of being complete and paying attention to detail.
profundity (n.) – Great depth of insight or thought.
complexity (n.) – The state of having many different parts connected; intricacy.
🚫 Antonyms
superficiality (n.) – Lack of depth; concern only with surface aspects.
Wordbook
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