What does profoundly mean?
Profoundly is an adverb meaning deeply, greatly, or to a very significant extent. It is especially useful when describing how strongly someone feels or thinks, or how thoroughly an event, idea, or experience affects a person or situation. For example, a book may profoundly influence a reader, while a loss may leave someone profoundly sad. The word can also indicate great seriousness or importance, as in a profoundly significant discovery. Because it is more emphatic than simply saying very, it often suggests an effect that reaches beyond a minor or superficial response. Profoundly is used in everyday conversation as well as in journalism, academic writing, speeches, and formal descriptions. Its counterpart adjective is profound, which describes something deep, intellectually serious, or of great significance.
adverbIn a deep, intense, or complete way; to a very great extent. It can describe a strong emotional response, a significant effect, or profound importance.
- To a very great degree or extent; deeply or greatly.
- In a way that is deeply felt or intuitively understood.
- With great seriousness, significance, or intellectual depth.
"The discovery profoundly changed the way scientists understood the universe."
"Her testimony profoundly influenced the members of the committee."
"The experience left him profoundly grateful for the support of his friends."
One word can make a difference sound immense: profoundly turns a simple claim into one that reaches to the deepest level of meaning, feeling, or consequence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does profoundly come from?
Profoundly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to profound. Profound comes from Latin profundus, a word associated with fundus, meaning “bottom” or “depth,” and it developed the sense of deep, extensive, or intellectually serious. Related English words include profundity, profoundness, and fundamental, all reflecting the same Latin root of depth or foundation.
How profoundly is actually used
Common in formal and semi-formal writing and speech. It is often used with verbs such as affected, changed, influenced, moved, and altered, and it can carry an emphatic or slightly elevated tone.
Easily confused with profoundly
Profound is an adjective describing something deep, intellectually serious, or of great significance, whereas profoundly is an adverb meaning deeply, greatly, or completely.