Profoundly
/prəˈfaʊndli/
adverbB2adverb form
Definition
Profoundly is an adverb that describes something done or felt very deeply or strongly. It often shows a strong effect on feelings, thoughts, or situations, meaning it is not small or simple but very important or serious.
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See It in Action
To a very great or intense degree
- •She was profoundly moved by the kind gesture.
- •The idea profoundly changed his way of thinking.
- •The loss affected him profoundly for many years.
In a way that shows deep knowledge or understanding
- •He spoke profoundly about life and its meaning.
- •The book is profoundly insightful and well-written.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "profoundly" like "very" or "deeply," but much stronger and more serious
- ✓Picture a deep ocean where light barely reaches — something profound is like that deep part, very strong and important
- ✓It’s the feeling when you understand something that changes your heart or mind deeply
- ✓Sounds like "pro-found-ly" → imagine finding something very important and deep underground
- ✓Think of a wise person’s words that make you think deeply, not just simple talk
- ✓NOT like "slightly" (small effect), "profoundly" means a big, strong effect
- ✓NOT like "quickly" (speed), "profoundly" talks about how deep or strong something is
- ✓NOT like "happy" (emotion), it can describe serious or strong feelings, not just good ones
Try Other Words
- •Deeply: very strongly or intensely (Use when talking about strong feelings or thoughts but less formal)
- •Greatly: to a large extent (Use when the effect or change is large but not necessarily deep or serious)
- •Seriously: with importance or thought (Use when emphasizing importance or seriousness rather than intensity)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pro-" (forward, forth) + "found" (from Latin "fundus" meaning bottom or base) + "-ly" (adverb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "profundus" meaning deep, bottomless, or very great
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe something very deep or intense in feeling or meaning
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe strong feelings, important effects, or deep understanding
Reflect & Connect
•How can something be profoundly good or profoundly bad? Can it be both?
•When have you felt something profoundly in your own life? How did it change you?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was profoundly ___ by the news, showing strong emotion and surprise.
2.The speech affected the audience profoundly because it made them ___ deeply about the topic.
3.Unlike small changes, a profoundly ___ event can change a person's life completely.
4.When someone says they are profoundly sorry, they mean they feel ___ regret.
5.The book is profoundly ___, giving new ideas that make readers think carefully.
6.You can be profoundly ___ by music, art, or nature when it touches your feelings deeply.
7.A profoundly ___ decision often needs a lot of thought and understanding before acting.