profundity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "profundity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a deep insight, truth, or quality. For example, "His statement was full of profundity, conveying a deeper truth about the human condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But perhaps they will be like all those men who went to the moon, not quite able to articulate the profundity of their experience, because there is nothing else like it, and there are therefore no metaphors.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't live in a state of constant profundity because: a) you bore everyone around you; and b) because you don't get anything done.

The Guardian - Film

"There was a profundity to the moment.

The Guardian - Film

GREAT calamity can sometimes call forth great profundity.

The Economist

In framing his pronouncements on exchange rates, his best bet would be to establish a reputation for profundity by saying nothing, or by making whatever he does say unintelligible (Alan Greenspan, passim).

The Economist

His narrative, so gripping at best, can run worryingly low on fuel; and his striving for profundity becomes a little wearying.

The Economist

He embraced "our nation's symphony of faith", praising the profundity of Catholic ceremony, the ancient traditions of the Jews and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims.

The Economist

A new economy is emerging, based on a new sphere of cornucopian radiance reality unmassed and unmasked, leaving only the promethean light".The profundity of this technological revolution is that in an age when our material needs (at least in rich countries) are largely met, the commodity that stands out as being most scarce is life-span itself.

The Economist

The English, he claims, love surface decoration and intricate patterns rather than profundity, a predilection that extends through the plastic arts to music and philosophy.

The Economist

A daunting challenge for would-be dancers is that they are expected to show some sort of profundity in their performances at a young age.

The Economist

82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87; 1785–86) are miracles of beauty and formal perfection combined with great profundity, noticeable especially in the slow movement of No. 86 in D. The London visits injected a new force in Haydn's music, but, side by side with a greatly increased nervous tension, his works began to take on an emotional depth often characteristic of the music of an aging composer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profundity" when you want to emphasize the depth and significance of an idea, experience, or understanding. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "profundity" in everyday conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "depth" or "insight" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The noun "profundity" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, representing a state or quality of deep understanding. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing the intellectual or emotional depth of experiences, statements, or artistic works. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profundity" is a grammatically sound noun, frequently employed to denote deep intellectual or emotional understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid term, with Ludwig's examples illustrating usage across varied contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While highly versatile, "profundity" is most suitable for formal settings, where its precision and weight can be fully appreciated. Overuse in casual conversation risks sounding pretentious, so it is important to consider the audience and purpose when deciding to use the word. The related phrases offer alternatives that emphasize specific aspects of "profundity", such as "deep insight" or "intellectual depth", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep insight

Focuses on the insight aspect, emphasizing understanding.

deep understanding

Highlights the thoroughness of comprehension.

intellectual depth

Emphasizes the intellectual quality of the profundity.

depth of thought

Focuses on the level of consideration involved.

philosophical depth

Specifically refers to depth within a philosophical context.

weightiness

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the profundity.

gravity

Highlights the seriousness and significance of the subject.

subtlety

Focuses on the nuanced and delicate nature of the profundity.

insightfulness

Emphasizes the quality of being perceptive and understanding.

astuteness

Highlights the sharpness and cleverness of the understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "profundity" in a sentence?

You can use "profundity" to describe the depth of meaning or understanding in something. For example, "The philosopher's words were filled with "profundity", offering new insights into the human condition."

What words can I use instead of "profundity"?

Alternatives to "profundity" include "depth", "insight", "understanding", or "wisdom", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "depth" or "profundity"?

The choice between "depth" and "profundity" depends on the context. "Depth" is more general, while "profundity" suggests a greater level of intellectual or spiritual insight. Consider the degree of significance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "profundity" and "wisdom"?

"Wisdom" implies accumulated knowledge and experience, while "profundity" refers to the depth or insightfulness of an idea or statement. You can have a moment of "profundity" without necessarily possessing great "wisdom".