a profound encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or deeply impactful meeting or experience with someone or something. Example: "The trip to the ancient ruins was a profound encounter that changed my perspective on history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Actually, more even than this: it proposes a loss of virginity for Eisenstein at the age of 33, a profound encounter with eros.

The Guardian - Film

But all of them were designed and engineered with meticulous precision to deliver to the listener a profound encounter with sound.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The 2015 proposal, in which Smith is involved, is said by its designers to "explore the life of the bee colony through an immersive sensory experience – a beautiful and profound encounter leaving visitors with a lasting flavour of the British landscape".

The Guardian - Arts

Attracted to Roman Catholicism, Stein returned on a vacation in 1921 to Breslau, where her profound encounter with the autobiography of the mystic St. Teresa of Ávila caused her swift conversion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And I suppose that's the built-in sorrow of my life's most profound encounters with books, beginning with "A Wrinkle in Time" in third grade.

The New York Times - Books

Viktor Frankl wrote Man's Search for Meaning after surviving one of the more profound encounters with human darkness - being a prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Huffington Post

For an 11-year-old, this was one of the first, most profound encounters I had with existentialism.

Vice

Walter de Maria, whose death is being reported, knew how to take hold of imaginations – not with cheap shots, but profound encounters.

The Guardian - Arts

It just happened to be that some of my most profound encounters with God weren't in my (fairly) regular morning routine of "quiet times".

Huffington Post

Under Bebbington's formulation, another defining evangelical quality is the belief in the necessity of conversion, the conviction that everyone needs a profound, life-changing encounter with God.

The New Yorker

As I travelled thousands of miles round the country these past few months, encouraging Americans to register and vote, everywhere I went – from rural hamlets to big cities and everything in between – I encountered a profound and tremendous amount of economic consternation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound encounter" to describe experiences that have a lasting and significant impact on your understanding or perspective. It suggests more than just a simple meeting; it implies a deep emotional or intellectual shift.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound encounter" to describe trivial or everyday events. This phrase is best reserved for experiences that genuinely alter your viewpoint or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound encounter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a meeting or experience characterized by significant depth and impact. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase suggests a deeply impactful meeting.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a profound encounter" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and deeply impactful meeting or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, its usage is appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the encounter genuinely warrants the description, implying a lasting effect or a significant shift in understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep experience

Focuses on the depth and intensity of the experience itself, omitting the meeting or confrontation aspect.

a transformative meeting

Highlights the changing effect of the meeting, differing from the inherent depth of the encounter.

a life-altering experience

Emphasizes the significant impact on one's life, adding a sense of permanence and importance to the encounter.

a significant interaction

Stresses the importance of the interaction between people, focusing on the relationship established.

an impactful meeting

Underscores the effect of the meeting, deviating from the implicit depth of the encounter.

a moving experience

Highlights the emotional impact, changing the tone and adding a sense of sentimentality.

a meaningful interaction

Implies that the exchange had inherent value and significance for those involved.

a powerful connection

Highlights the strength of the connection formed, shifting from the overall encounter.

a striking impression

Stresses the memorable mark the interaction left, changing the focus.

a remarkable experience

Focuses on the unusual or noteworthy nature of the experience, departing from the depth implied by "profound".

FAQs

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

You can use "a profound encounter" to describe a significant meeting or experience. For example: "Her "a profound encounter" with nature inspired her to become an environmental activist."

What are some alternatives to "a profound encounter"?

Some alternatives include "a deep experience", "a transformative meeting", or "a life-altering experience", depending on the specific context.

Is "a profound encounter" formal or informal?

"A profound encounter" leans towards a more formal register. While not overly academic, it suggests a level of depth and significance that might be out of place in casual conversation. Consider your audience and context when deciding whether to use it.

What makes an encounter "profound"?

An encounter becomes "profound" when it leads to a significant shift in understanding, perspective, or emotional state. It's not just a meeting, but an experience that leaves a lasting impact.