profoundly sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profoundly sad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or intense feeling of sadness in various contexts, such as literature, personal reflections, or discussions about emotional experiences. Example: "The ending of the novel was profoundly sad, leaving readers in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was suddenly, profoundly sad.

The Guardian - Books

I imagine something profoundly sad.

The New Yorker

"My family are all profoundly sad.

Independent

Her untimely death is profoundly sad.

The New York Times

How profoundly sad if that number is accurate.

The New Yorker

In real life the experience is profoundly sad.

The New York Times - Health

"This is a profoundly sad day for democracy," she added.

The Guardian

The sacrifices he made were profoundly sad to me," he said.

Independent

I Want a Dog turns from a squib into something profoundly sad.

The Guardian - Music

"After battling to expose it for months I'm no longer angry about it, just profoundly sad".

The Guardian - Sport

It is profoundly sad, not just for Burnley, but for the rest of the country".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profoundly sad" to describe a deep, impactful sense of sorrow. It is more emphatic than simply saying "sad".

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly sad" in everyday situations where a simpler term like "sad" or "disappointed" would suffice. Its intensity is better suited for significant emotional experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profoundly sad" functions primarily as a descriptive expression, with "profoundly" intensifying the adjective "sad". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profoundly sad" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a deep and intense feeling of sadness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various reputable sources, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in different contexts, it's more appropriate for describing significant emotional experiences and should be avoided in casual situations where a simpler term would suffice. Related phrases include "deeply sorrowful", "intensely grieving", and "utterly heartbroken", each with slight nuances in meaning. Its primary function is descriptive, conveying a strong sense of sorrow or unhappiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply sorrowful

Emphasizes the sorrowful aspect, focusing on grief and mourning.

utterly heartbroken

Emphasizes the feeling of a broken heart, usually associated with loss or betrayal.

intensely grieving

Highlights the act of grieving, suggesting an active and powerful emotional experience.

acutely mournful

Emphasizes the mournful aspect, conveying a sharp and intense feeling of loss.

overwhelmingly melancholic

Stresses the melancholic aspect, conveying a sustained and pervasive sadness.

grievously afflicted

Stresses the burden of suffering, suggesting a state of being deeply troubled or impacted.

bitterly disappointed

Focuses on the disappointment felt, often indicating a loss or unrealized expectation.

sorely lamenting

Highlights the act of expressing grief or sorrow, often in a public or formal setting.

extremely distressed

Focuses on emotional or mental suffering, suggesting a state of significant unease.

terribly upset

Indicates a state of emotional disturbance, often due to something unexpected or negative.

FAQs

How can I use "profoundly sad" in a sentence?

Use "profoundly sad" to describe a deep and intense feeling of sadness. For example: "The news of her passing made me "profoundly sad"".

What are some alternatives to "profoundly sad"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply sorrowful", "intensely grieving", or "utterly heartbroken" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "deeply sad" instead of "profoundly sad"?

While both are acceptable, "profoundly sad" emphasizes a greater depth of sadness compared to "deeply sad". The choice depends on the level of intensity you want to convey.

What's the difference between "profoundly sad" and "bitterly disappointed"?

"Profoundly sad" describes a general feeling of deep sorrow, while "bitterly disappointed" indicates sadness specifically stemming from unmet expectations or a loss of something desired.