Vocabulary
profound
adjective·/pruh-FOWND/
Very deep, in meaning, feeling, or effect. Something profound goes far beyond the surface and stays with you.
Profound has two main uses. One is intellectual or emotional depth ("a profound insight," "profound grief"). The other is great intensity or extent ("a profound impact," "profound silence"). Both share the idea of reaching deep. It is a heavy word, so it lands best when something genuinely earns it; calling a mildly clever remark "profound" undersells the word. Keep it for things that actually moved or changed you.
5 ways to use “profound” in a sentence
- “That book had a profound effect on how I think about work.”
- “It was a simple line, but somehow profound.”
- “The change had a profound impact on the whole team.”
- “There was a profound silence after she finished speaking.”
- “Losing him was a profound loss for everyone who knew him.”
Now say "profound" out loud, in your own sentence.
The fastest way to actually own a word is to use it when you speak, not just read it. Practice in TalkStride and get scored on how clearly it comes out.
Common mistakes
- Using it for anything mildly deep. Profound implies serious, lasting depth or intensity.
- Confusing the two senses; "profound impact" (intensity) is different from "profound thought" (depth), though related.
- Saying "PRO-found"; the stress is on the second syllable, "pruh-FOWND."
Similar words, and how they differ
deep
Deep is the everyday word. Profound is its stronger, more serious cousin, often for ideas and feelings.
significant
Significant means important. Profound means important AND deep, reaching well below the surface.
meaningful
Meaningful has personal significance. Profound goes further, deep enough to change or stay with you.