profundity

noun

pro·​fun·​di·​ty prə-ˈfən-də-tē How to pronounce profundity (audio)
plural profundities
1
a
: intellectual depth
b
: something profound or abstruse
2
: the quality or state of being profound or deep

Examples of profundity in a Sentence

the profundity of his thoughts Her books are a mixture of playfulness and profundity. the depth and profundity of her feelings
Recent Examples on the Web These notes represent the collective voice of a city, sentiments stitched together by personal handwriting, emphasizing the profundity of natural spaces and the vital importance of their protection. Amy Sacka, Detroit Free Press, 18 Feb. 2024 As with many of Burton's best films, the real magic is the nuggets of human profundity hidden within the bleak imagrey and whimsical comedy. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2023 And combined with this ordinary character’s ability to survive, again and again, the show suggests that maybe there’s profundity in her decency. Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2024 One painted Guernica, acclaimed for its profundity as an anti-war statement. Diane Scharper, Washington Examiner, 12 Jan. 2024 What sounds like redundancy is actually profundity. J. J. Goode, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2023 Consider the cathartic yelling scene, endemic among movies of a certain indie stripe: Characters lets loose howls of wordless feeling, and the audience basks in the profundity of their unburdening. Zachary Barnes, WSJ, 22 Nov. 2023 His bracingly clear prose imbues the story’s ambiguities with a profundity both revelatory and familiar. Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2023 Disconnect and enjoy the quiet, if repetitive, profundity. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'profundity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English profundite, from Latin profunditat-, profunditas depth, from profundus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of profundity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near profundity

Cite this Entry

“Profundity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profundity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

profundity

noun
pro·​fun·​di·​ty prə-ˈfən-dət-ē How to pronounce profundity (audio)
plural profundities
1
: great knowledge or understanding
2
: something profound

More from Merriam-Webster on profundity

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