rather profound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather profound" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is significantly deep or meaningful, often in a philosophical or intellectual context. An example would be: "The speaker's insights were rather profound, leaving the audience in deep thought." Alternative expressions include "quite deep" and "fairly significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But they have still managed to do something rather profound.

The New York Times

All of which raises a rather profound question: Were teeth inevitable?

Princeton University

The fact that Fantasia looks like Nowhere raises a rather profound philosophical question.

The New York Times

Fischli and Weiss specialized in taking dumb-sounding ideas to rather profound extremes.

The New Yorker

It was, she said, "a rather profound response, considering they are being bombarded by adult political agendas".

The New York Times

"There's one rather profound thing about the network that wasn't fully emphasized in the paper," Thrun told me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's jolly rather than profound, and old-fashioned, with a lovely summer dreaminess to it.

The Guardian

He works in a shorthand that can sometimes feel facile rather than profound.

The New York Times

Their pleasures are immediate and fleeting rather than profound and sustained, more like Broadway revues than three-act dramas.

The New York Times

They have all of Kraus's self-exposure and none of her self-examination; pitiful rather than profound, they are soon the laughingstock of all of Marfa.

The New Yorker

That was not because of any procedural changes put into place after Sept. 11, but rather a profound change in attitude among the law enforcement personnel, he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather profound" to describe insights, questions, or impacts that have a significant intellectual or emotional depth. It is especially effective when emphasizing a notable level of insight that goes beyond the superficial.

Common error

Avoid using "rather profound" to describe everyday observations or simple ideas. Reserve it for situations where genuine depth and significance are evident, or your writing may come across as pretentious or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather profound" functions as an intensifier + adjective, modifying a noun to emphasize the depth, significance, or insightfulness of the concept. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, indicating its versatility in conveying significant depth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather profound" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to amplify the depth or significance of a concept. As noted in the Ludwig AI analysis, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, reserve its usage for contexts where genuine intellectual or emotional weight is present to avoid sounding pretentious. As a reminder, you can also consider alternatives like "quite deep" or "deeply significant". Choose the variant that best aligns with the specific tone and intent of your writing to communicate effectively. In conclusion, the phrase "rather profound" is a valuable tool for adding emphasis and depth to your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite deep

Emphasizes the depth of something, similar to "rather profound" but potentially less formal.

deeply significant

Highlights the importance and meaning, focusing on the significance rather than the intellectual depth.

remarkably insightful

Focuses on the level of understanding and perception demonstrated.

exceptionally meaningful

Stresses the value and importance attributed to something.

notably substantial

Highlights the significant impact or importance of something.

surprisingly deep

Indicates unexpected depth or complexity.

unusually perceptive

Emphasizes a higher than average level of understanding and insight.

genuinely thoughtful

Highlights sincerity and careful consideration.

fairly significant

Similar to "rather profound" but with a slightly weaker emphasis on depth.

considerably important

Stresses the level of importance assigned to something.

FAQs

What does "rather profound" mean?

The phrase "rather profound" means something is notably deep, insightful, or significant. It suggests a level of depth beyond the ordinary, often implying intellectual or emotional importance.

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

You can use "rather profound" to describe an idea, a question, or an impact. For instance, "The speaker's insights were "quite deep", revealing a "rather profound" understanding of the subject."

Are there synonyms for "rather profound"?

Yes, some synonyms include "deeply significant", "remarkably insightful", and "exceptionally meaningful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "profound" or "rather profound"?

Using "rather profound" adds a degree of emphasis and nuance. "Profound" alone is already strong, but "rather profound" can be used when you want to highlight that the depth or significance is particularly noticeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired impact.