profound distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a significant difference or contrast between two or more subjects. Example: "There is a profound distinction between mere existence and living a fulfilling life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

How can women consider competing in most games with men when that most profound distinction, testosterone production, can never be equalized without making women into men?

The New York Times - Sports

The story of how, via Sidney and Gretl in Berlin, and then Aunt Mimi Grun in Britain, he made his way to Cambridge and a career of profound distinction is told with a self-deprecation which somehow seems to shrug the wonders aside.

The Guardian - Books

But later, Mally developed an even more profound distinction with which he was able to cope with the incompleteness problem as well.

SEP

She adds what for her seems to be another profound distinction: Bush isn't slated as the only speaker.

Huffington Post

How, then, has Detroit achieved the profound distinction as the epitome of American decay and unrelenting collapse, failure, and ruin?

Huffington Post

It is a profound distinction, and a major step toward protection of such ocean resources over time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In fact, we already have a system of managing our industrial policy akin to the Chinese system — read through the narrative of the Pentagon's failed tanker contract and it would be hard to draw profound distinctions.

The New Yorker

Another fundamental distinction Patrizi introduces is that between mathematical and physical space, a view which will have profound import for the main figures identified with early modern thought, such as Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Descartes and Leibniz.

SEP

They also emphasize the profound functional distinction between the role of demethylation and deacetylation in regulation of chromatin dynamics.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science

Because of the profound, colossal distinction between then and now, which can be summed up in two words: Moore's Law.

TechCrunch

Among the founders, Franklin was not the most profound thinker — that distinction goes to Jefferson or Madison or Hamilton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound distinction" when you want to emphasize that a difference is not just noticeable, but also deeply impactful or significant. It's best suited for formal or academic writing where precision matters.

Common error

Avoid using "profound distinction" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "big difference" or "major contrast" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound distinction" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" is an adjective modifying the noun "distinction". As shown by Ludwig, it emphasizes a significant and impactful difference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound distinction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, although not frequently used, that serves to highlight a notable and important difference. According to Ludwig, it's best suited for formal contexts like academic papers, scientific reports, and formal news articles. The phrase is uncommon but powerful when you need to stress that a difference is not just noticeable but also deeply impactful. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "significant difference" or "major contrast".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant difference

Emphasizes the importance of the difference.

substantial contrast

Highlights a clear opposition between two things.

marked divergence

Suggests a noticeable separation or deviation.

deep-seated difference

Indicates a difference that is fundamental and deeply rooted.

fundamental difference

Focuses on the core, essential nature of the difference.

clear differentiation

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing clearly.

notable contrast

Highlights the striking nature of the contrast.

striking difference

Highlights that the difference is very noticeable and remarkable.

meaningful distinction

Suggests the distinction holds value or significance.

important difference

Emphasizes the relevance and consequence of the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "profound distinction" to highlight a significant and impactful difference. For example: "There is a "profound distinction" between knowledge and wisdom."

What can I say instead of "profound distinction"?

You can use alternatives like "significant difference", "substantial contrast", or "fundamental difference" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "profound distinction"?

It is appropriate in formal writing or when you want to emphasize that a difference is deep and impactful. It works well in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where precision is valued.

What is the difference between "profound distinction" and "simple difference"?

The phrase "profound distinction" emphasizes that the difference is significant, deep, and impactful. "Simple difference" implies the distinction is basic and easily noticeable but not necessarily important.