What does profoundness mean?
Profoundness is a formal noun meaning the quality of being profound. It most often describes the depth, seriousness, and significance of ideas, works of art, philosophical questions, or human experiences. A person may praise a book for its profoundness, meaning that it reaches beyond surface entertainment and offers ideas that merit sustained thought. The word can also convey intensity or emotional depth, as in a moment of profoundness, although this use is less common. Its close relative, profundity, is similarly intellectual and can suggest extreme depth. By contrast, shallowness, triviality, and superficiality are natural antonyms. Profoundness is especially valuable when describing something that is important, thought-provoking, or deeply meaningful, though its elevated register makes it less suitable than words such as depth or significance in informal contexts.
nounThe quality of being profound, especially the depth, seriousness, or significance of thought, meaning, or experience. It can also refer to the intensity or depth of a feeling, idea, or effect.
- The depth or intellectual seriousness of a thought, idea, work, or experience.
- The great intensity, significance, or emotional depth of something.
"The philosophical novel invites the reader to contemplate the profoundness of human existence."
"The speaker’s question revealed a surprising depth and profoundness of thought."
"The music was valued for the profoundness of its emotional impact."
The plural is grammatically correct but uncommon, since profoundness is normally used as an abstract noun.
"The essays explore different profoundnesses of the human experience."
From the Latin for “deep,” profoundness began as a name for the bottom of the sea and grew into a name for the deepest reaches of thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does profoundness come from?
Profoundness is formed from the adjective profound with the suffix -ness. Profound comes through Old French profond from Latin profundus, meaning “deep” or “profound,” originally from fundus, meaning “bottom” or “depth.” The same Latin foundation appears in profundity and in words such as profoundly and unprofound.
Related word forms
How profoundness is actually used
Formally and somewhat abstractly used, especially in discussion of ideas, art, philosophy, literature, religion, and experience. It often suggests intellectual depth or lasting significance rather than merely emotional intensity.