This use means very deep or strong. It can describe physical depth, like a deep lake, or strong feelings or thoughts. It shows something is much bigger or more serious than normal.
The lake is very profound and wide.
He felt a profound sadness today.
In this meaning, profound describes a person or idea that is very smart, thoughtful, or wise. It shows deep thinking or intelligence in what is said or done.
She gave a profound answer to the question.
His ideas are very profound and smart.
This use means something causes a big and important change or feeling. It shows that the effect is very strong and important.
The news had a profound effect on him.
This book made a profound change in my life.
Here, profound means that something is very difficult to understand or very complex. It often refers to ideas, writing, or research that needs much thought.
The poem is profound and hard to understand.
His research is profound and detailed.
This meaning shows something very deep and full, like a feeling or silence that feels endless or very strong without stopping.
He felt a profound sense of loss inside.
There is a profound silence in the empty room.
In medicine, profound means very serious and deep injury or disease. It often shows complete or strong loss of a function like hearing or brain work.
He had profound brain damage after the accident.
The patient suffers from profound hearing loss.
