profound affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound affection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context in which you need to express a very deep and strong emotion of love or attachment, either between two people or toward an object or idea. For example, "The members of the organization had a profound affection for their mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He talks with profound affection about his children.

The New York Times

Some buy it as a straight-out gift, a gesture of profound affection sweetened by the current generous tax exclusion.

The New York Times

Still, what emerges from this book is a profound affection for the city, often expressed in endearingly idiosyncratic terms.

The Washington Post

Her closeness with, and profound affection for, her subjects reflect her deep immersion in their stories and allow the reader to share that connection.

The New York Times

She will be remembered with profound affection and respect by hundreds of students and colleagues at City Opera and throughout the music world.

The New York Times

Eels Mark Everett's band of backwood, bearded oddballs smuggled profound affection for outsiders and losers into a soulful, funny, crowd-winning show.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In my house, the phrase "you loopy [word I can't use in this magazine]" has become, as it is in "Deadwood," a term of profound sweetness and affection, used by either sex to another.

The New York Times - Magazine

And if the human interactions are characterised by agony, the times and places – the farms, the roads, the villages, the thrumming energy of the city, the mornings, afternoons, dusks, nights – are described with profound and vigilant affection.

The Guardian - Books

The sport requires enormouscourage, and Schulberg's offerings resonatewith a profound respect and affection for thebruising artists that is rare among reporterswho have never bent through the ropes to achorus of howls from a bloodthirsty throng.

The New York Times

The Trustees and staff of Greentree Foundation will always remember Emile with deep respect, profound gratitude, and abiding affection.

The New York Times

A popularity poll in June for ComRes suggested there could be a profound slump in public affection for the monarchy when Charles takes the reins.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound affection" to convey a deep and enduring emotional connection, suitable for describing feelings towards people, places, or cherished objects. The phrase is useful when emphasizing the intensity and depth of positive sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "profound affection" in overly casual or trivial situations. It's a strong phrase, so reserve it for scenarios where the depth of feeling is genuinely significant to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound affection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to express a deep emotional bond. It emphasizes the intensity and depth of positive feelings, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound affection" is a noun phrase that describes a deep and intense emotional connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for expressing strong positive emotions. The phrase is commonly used in news and media, often to depict significant relationships or attachments, as seen in several examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While synonyms such as "deep fondness" or "intense love" exist, "profound affection" emphasizes the depth and enduring nature of the feeling. Use it to convey sincere and meaningful emotional bonds while avoiding overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Profound love

Direct synonym, removes the nuance of "affection" by focusing solely on love.

Deep fondness

Emphasizes the feeling of fondness but may not convey the same intensity as "profound affection".

Deep-seated love

Highlights the ingrained nature of the feeling; similar but focuses on the established nature of the emotion rather than its intensity.

Abiding love

Emphasizes the lasting nature of love, while "profound affection" highlights the depth of feeling.

Intense love

Focuses solely on love, potentially missing the nuance of care and attachment present in "profound affection".

Ardent attachment

Highlights passion and connection, but the word "ardent" brings a sense of eagerness that might be absent from "profound affection".

Great admiration

Highlights respect and high regard, but may not capture the emotional warmth of "profound affection".

Heartfelt adoration

Conveys a sense of worshipful love, which is a more extreme emotion than "profound affection".

Sincere devotion

Stresses loyalty and dedication, potentially overlooking the emotional aspect of "profound affection".

Unwavering devotion

Focuses on steadfast loyalty and commitment, potentially sidelining the aspect of emotional attachment.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound affection" to describe a deep emotional connection or fondness for someone or something. For example, "She held a profound affection for her childhood home" or "He spoke of his mentor with profound affection and respect".

What's a good alternative to "profound affection"?

Alternatives include "deep fondness", "intense love", or "heartfelt adoration", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "profound affection" formal or informal?

"Profound affection" is generally considered a relatively formal phrase, suitable for serious or reflective contexts. In casual settings, simpler terms like "great fondness" or "deep love" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "profound affection" and "intense liking"?

"Profound affection" suggests a deeper, more emotional bond than "intense liking". While both indicate positive feelings, "profound affection" implies a stronger, more enduring connection, whereas "intense liking" suggests a strong but possibly more fleeting preference.