Definition of profound

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< pro forma

profundity >

pro·found    (pr-found, pr-) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
pro·found·er, pro·found·est

1. Situated at, extending to, or coming from a great depth; deep.
2. Coming as if from the depths of one's being: profound contempt.
3. Thoroughgoing; far-reaching: profound social changes.
4. Penetrating beyond what is superficial or obvious: a profound insight.
5. Unqualified; absolute: a profound silence.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English profounde, from Old French profond, from Latin profundus : pr-, before ; see pro-¹ + fundus, bottom

OTHER FORMS:
pro·foundly(Adverb), pro·foundness(Noun)