Reading Theme:
Profound: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：deeply felt (profound)
profound
/prəˈfaʊnd/
adj.
Describes feelings or effects that are extremely strong and thorough, going to the very core of something.
deeply felt
➕
/ˈdiːpli fɛlt/
adj.
Describing emotions or effects that are extremely strong, intense, and go to the core of one's being.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'profundus' (pro- 'forward' + fundus 'bottom'), meaning 'deep bottom'.
💡 Mnemonic
Pro + fund = bottom. Think of something that goes to the very bottom of your heart or mind.
📖 Example
After visiting the orphanage, she felt a profound sense of gratitude for her own family.
She felt an intense gratitude for her family after visiting the orphanage.
🔗 Collocations
profound impact – a very strong effect
profound sense – a deep feeling
profound effect – a significant influence
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
shallow (adj.) – not deep or intense
superficial (adj.) – lacking depth or significance
trivial (adj.) – of little value or importance
🌱 Derivatives
profoundly (adv.) – in a profound manner; deeply
profundity (n.) – the quality of being profound; depth
📖 Cultural Story
Originally meant 'very deep' physically. In the 14th century, it began to describe intellectual depth. Used in philosophy and science to denote profound truths.
Meaning 2：insightful (profound)
profound
/prəˈfaʊnd/
adj.
Describes ideas, knowledge, or people that show great understanding and deep insight, often making you think hard.
insightful
➕
/ɪnˈsaɪtfəl/
adj.
Showing great understanding, deep insight, and the ability to think deeply about complex subjects.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My history teacher always makes profound observations that connect past events to our lives today.
My history teacher always makes insightful observations that connect past events to our lives today.
🔗 Collocations
profound insight – a deep understanding
profound knowledge – extensive and deep knowledge
profound question – a thought-provoking question
🔄 Synonyms
insightful (adj.) – having deep understanding
wise (adj.) – showing experience and good judgment
deep (adj.) – profound in thought
🚫 Antonyms
shallow (adj.) – lacking intellectual depth
ignorant (adj.) – lacking knowledge or awareness
superficial (adj.) – concerned with surface aspects
🌱 Derivatives
profoundly (adv.) – in a profound manner; deeply
profundity (n.) – the quality of being profound; depth
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