Profound stillness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Profound stillness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep, significant sense of quiet or tranquility, often in a poetic or reflective context. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, a profound stillness enveloped the landscape, inviting contemplation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A profound stillness descends.

The New Yorker

The profound stillness may be because the wind on Titan is so feeble.

The Guardian

Mumbai and New York both teem with the hustle and bustle of urban life but are bordered by the profound stillness that only water could provide.

The New York Times

And yet these images' profound stillness, a marked quality of their beauty, imbues all — even youth — with a fragrant and sensuous melancholy.

The New Yorker

Other Voices is that kind of event; where most music festivals have a rattle and a restlessness, it has a profound stillness.

The Guardian - Music

And yet these images' profound stillness, a marked quality of their beauty, imbues all even youth with a fragrant and sensuous melancholy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Occasionally, there is a drowsy sound from some lone weaver's shuttle, or shoemaker's last, but it is stifled by the thick walls and heavy dungeon-door, and only serves to make the general stillness more profound.

The New Yorker

If ever there was a referent for nullity, it is the Karoo: miles of nothing; very little, apparently, going on; a stillness so profound it resounds in the ears.

The Guardian - Books

The ancient Taoist spiritual cultivation transcends the pitfalls of materialism by focusing on self-realization and discovery while opening one to a profound sense of nature, stillness and silence.

Huffington Post

The stillness is so profound it seems to muffle the blare of a television in the next room.

The New York Times

This surrender, this profound belief in the power of stillness has indeed become the name of my game.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "profound stillness" to evoke a specific mood or atmosphere, such as peace, reflection, or even unease, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "profound stillness" when you actually mean emptiness or a lack of activity. "Profound stillness" implies a significant, almost palpable quiet, not just a void.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound stillness" typically functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "profound" modifies the noun "stillness". It describes a state or quality of deep quiet or tranquility. Ludwig examples show it used to depict scenes in nature and moments of reflection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound stillness" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe a state of deep quiet and tranquility. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to create a specific atmosphere or mood. While not exceptionally frequent, its use is well-established and understood. When employing this phrase, aim to create a sense of drama or anticipation, but avoid confusing it with mere emptiness. Alternatives like "deep quiet" or "complete silence" can be used depending on the desired nuance. "Profound stillness" is a valuable tool for writers seeking to add depth and atmosphere to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deep quiet

Replaces "stillness" with a more common synonym.

Profound silence

Swaps stillness with a near synonym, focusing on lack of noise.

Complete silence

Focuses on the absence of sound.

Deep tranquility

Emphasizes the peaceful aspect of stillness.

Utter calm

Highlights the lack of disturbance.

Overwhelming quiet

Stresses the intensity of the silence.

Intense serenity

Highlights a sense of peace and quietude.

Resounding silence

Focuses on a silence so deep it almost seems to echo.

Remarkable calm

Emphasizes the noticeable and unusual nature of the peace.

Deep peace

Highlights the feeling of serenity and absence of conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "profound stillness" in a sentence?

"Profound stillness" is typically used to describe a scene or moment characterized by deep quiet and a sense of peace or anticipation. For example: "As the fog rolled in, a "profound stillness" descended upon the town."

What words are similar to "profound stillness"?

Phrases like "deep quiet", "complete silence", or "deep tranquility" share similar meanings to "profound stillness", emphasizing the depth and quality of the quiet.

Is "profound stillness" a common phrase?

While not exceedingly common, "profound stillness" is a recognized and usable phrase in English, often found in literary or descriptive contexts.

What is the difference between "profound stillness" and "complete silence"?

While both suggest an absence of noise, "profound stillness" often carries a connotation of peace, anticipation, or even mystery, whereas "complete silence" simply emphasizes the lack of sound.