deep and abiding

USAGE SUMMARY

'deep and abiding' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express a very strong emotion that will last for a long time. For example, "My love for you is deep and abiding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The understanding forged between the two sides had been deep and abiding.

The Guardian

When he strips away his corporate sheen, he reveals a deep and abiding baseball intellect.

The New York Times - Sports

Effect, as it is still widely known in the meetings and conventions business, was deep and abiding.

The New York Times

Remembered with deep and abiding love.

The New York Times

When we have mercy, deep and abiding change might happen.

The New Yorker

But it is a symptom of deep and abiding tensions.

The Economist

So, yes, it's had deep and abiding effects on me.

Columbia University

What we have left is deep and abiding self-awareness.

Harvard Business Review

Fathers and sons remain a deep and abiding theme.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had a deep and abiding interest in golf.

The New York Times

For the Chinese, it was a deep and abiding shame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep and abiding" to describe feelings, beliefs, or relationships that are both intense and long-lasting. It adds a sense of gravitas and commitment to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deep and abiding" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place if not used judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep and abiding" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the qualities of something, emphasizing both its intensity and lasting nature. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where it modifies nouns such as "love", "faith", "shame", and "interest".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deep and abiding" is a compound adjective signifying something that is both intense and lasting. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and can be effectively used to convey strong, enduring emotions or qualities. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a formal register and is best suited for serious or reflective writing. While the phrase is very common, avoid overuse in casual contexts, as its formal tone might seem out of place. Consider related phrases such as "profound and lasting" or "intense and enduring" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound and lasting

Substitutes "deep" with "profound" to emphasize intellectual or emotional depth and "abiding" with "lasting" to stress permanence.

intense and enduring

Replaces "deep" with "intense", highlighting the strength of the feeling, and "abiding" with "enduring", which focuses on the ability to withstand time.

strong and permanent

Uses "strong" instead of "deep" to denote force, and "permanent" instead of "abiding" to denote an unchangeable state.

lasting and heartfelt

Emphasizes the duration and sincerity of a feeling by using "lasting" and "heartfelt".

abiding and sincere

Switches the order and emphasizes sincerity, maintaining the sense of permanence.

eternal and profound

Uses "eternal" to suggest limitless duration and "profound" for depth of meaning or feeling.

unwavering and deep-seated

Highlights steadfastness and deeply rooted nature of a quality or belief.

deeply rooted and persistent

Focuses on the established nature and continuous presence of something.

long-lasting and profound

Combines the idea of extended duration with significant depth.

enduring and heartfelt

Focuses on the lasting nature and genuine emotion behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "deep and abiding" in a sentence?

You can use "deep and abiding" to describe a strong and lasting feeling, belief, or relationship. For example, "She has a "deep and abiding" love for her family".

What are some alternatives to "deep and abiding"?

Alternatives include "profound and lasting", "intense and enduring", or "strong and permanent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deep and abiding" a formal expression?

Yes, "deep and abiding" is considered a formal expression. It is best suited for serious or reflective writing, rather than casual conversation.

What is the difference between "deep and abiding" and "strong and lasting"?

While both phrases convey intensity and permanence, "deep and abiding" suggests a more profound and unwavering commitment, whereas "strong and lasting" may simply indicate resilience over time. The choice depends on the specific context.