What does deeply mean?
"Deeply" is an adverb that conveys intensity, profundity, or literal depth. Its most common use today is figurative: to describe the strength of emotions, beliefs, or involvement, as in "deeply grateful," "deeply troubled," or "deeply committed." It can also describe physical or structural depth — something buried deeply, embedded deeply, or a person breathing deeply — though English often prefers plain "deep" in such literal contexts (as in "dive deep"). The word carries a serious, sincere tone and is common in both everyday speech and formal writing; it pairs naturally with words of feeling and conviction such as "sorry," "moved," "concerned," and "rooted." Derived from the Old English adjective "deop" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly," it has been part of the language for over a thousand years. Its flexibility across emotional and physical registers makes it one of the most versatile intensifiers in English.
adverbTo a great depth or far down; to an intense or profound degree, especially of feeling, thought, or involvement.
- To a great extent or degree, especially of emotion, conviction, or involvement: 'deeply sorry', 'deeply religious'.
- Far down or far in; at a considerable depth, literally or figuratively: 'buried deeply', 'deeply embedded'.
"She was deeply moved by the kindness of strangers."
"He apologized, saying he was deeply sorry for the hurt he had caused."
"The foundations were deeply anchored in bedrock to withstand the storm."
English allows you to dig 'deep' but feel things only 'deeply' — the two adverbs split duties between the physical and the emotional worlds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deeply
Deeply derives from the Old English adjective "deop" (deep) combined with the adverb-forming suffix "-lic/-ly," making it a native Germanic formation rather than a borrowing from Latin or French. It has been in continuous use since the Old English period, appearing in early texts as "deoplice." Cognate forms appear throughout the Germanic languages, reflecting the shared root behind modern German "tief" and Dutch "diep."
How deeply is actually used
Neutral to formal in register. With verbs of emotion and attitude ('regret', 'resent', 'care'), 'deeply' is the natural intensifier and appears frequently in formal writing and speech. For some literal contexts, plain 'deep' is preferred as the adverb (e.g. 'dig deep'), whereas 'deeply' suits figurative and emotional uses.
Easily confused with deeply
'Deep' can be an adjective (a deep hole) or adverb (dig deep), while 'deeply' is only an adverb and typically emphasizes emotional intensity rather than physical extent.