profoundly

USAGE SUMMARY

"profoundly" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is deeply, or intensely felt or expressed. Example sentence: She was profoundly disappointed to hear the news.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a democrat, this is all profoundly troubling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Co-counsel for Brown, Ann Kirby, said: "This case is a tragedy which has profoundly affected not only the lives of the people involved, but which profoundly affects our system of justice in North Carolina.

The Guardian

Internet trolling might seem like an issue that only affects a certain subset of people, but that's only true if you believe that living in a world devoid of diverse voices – public discourse shaped primarily by white, heterosexual, able-bodied men – wouldn't profoundly affect your life.

The Guardian

"I have no doubt," wrote Mr Gwynne, confidently, "that the vast majority of the public will find it profoundly unacceptable that a convicted criminal with such disregard for British justice continues to hold such an illustrious honour".

The Guardian - Opinion

So it's new, frightening and profoundly odd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Labor, working with the trade union movement, has won the battle on workplace relations so profoundly that it is impossible in modern Australia to find an advocate for the Howard government's Work Choices laws.

The Guardian

But when de-industrialisation came, nowhere did the heavy trades decline more rapidly and more profoundly than in Glasgow.

The Guardian

I regard the EU as profoundly anti-democratic.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said: "Dr FitzGerald and I disagreed profoundly on many things, especially the Anglo-Irish agreement, but he never allowed political difference to become a bar to personal relations".

The Guardian

These arguments hinge on the rather ropey and profoundly Catholic notion that marriage exists solely as a vehicle for procreation.

The Guardian

Relations between Ireland and England were profoundly shaped by this sectarian cleavage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profoundly" to emphasize the depth or significance of an effect, feeling, or idea. This adverb adds weight and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly" in simple sentences where a less emphatic word would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "deeply" or "significantly" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "profoundly" functions as an intensifier, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to denote a high degree of depth, intensity, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profoundly" is a versatile adverb used to intensify the meaning of verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in diverse contexts, particularly within News & Media. It effectively conveys depth, intensity, or significance. While "profoundly" is generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers, it's essential to avoid overuse in simple sentences. Consider alternatives like "deeply", "intensely", or "significantly" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply

Emphasizes the intensity or depth of an emotion, feeling, or understanding; more focused on inner states.

intensely

Highlights the strength or degree of something; often used for sensations or experiences.

significantly

Indicates importance or consequence; suitable when emphasizing impact or relevance.

greatly

Suggests a large extent or degree; versatile in various contexts.

markedly

Emphasizes a noticeable or distinct difference or change.

substantially

Focuses on a considerable amount or degree; appropriate when quantifying impact.

acutely

Highlights a sharp or intense awareness or sensitivity.

seriously

Indicates importance or potential danger; suitable when emphasizing gravity.

vitally

Stresses the essential or crucial nature of something.

fundamentally

Emphasizes a basic or essential level; suitable when referring to core principles or structures.

FAQs

How can I use "profoundly" in a sentence?

Use "profoundly" to emphasize the depth or intensity of something. For example, "The experience profoundly changed her perspective."

What can I say instead of "profoundly"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply", "intensely", or "significantly" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "profoundly affected"?

Yes, "profoundly affected" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that has been deeply influenced or impacted.

What's the difference between "profoundly" and "deeply"?

While both adverbs indicate intensity, "profoundly" often suggests a more significant or transformative effect, whereas "deeply" tends to focus on the emotional or personal level.