deep
Extending, reaching or positioned far from a point of reference, especially downwards.
Word facts
Definition of Deep
Extending far down from the top, or surface, to the bottom, literally or figuratively.
Example sentences
Russell is a safe pair of hands in the deep.
She has a very deep contralto voice.
Using Deep well
A closer look at how deep is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Extending far down from the top or surface, or (of feelings and ideas) intense and hard to reach.
Use 'deep' for physical distance downward or inward, and figuratively for strong emotions, serious thought, or rich color and sound. It works in everyday and literary contexts alike.
Common in describing water and holes, emotions, discussions, colors, voices, and sleep.
'Deep' and 'deeply' differ by role: use 'deep' as an adjective (a deep well) or after verbs of motion (dig deep), and 'deeply' as an adverb of degree (deeply moved), not 'deep moved'.
- profound
- formal and figurative only — used for ideas or feelings, never a literal hole
- bottomless
- stronger and often exaggerated — so deep it seems to have no bottom
- intense
- for feelings — stresses strength rather than depth
- cavernous
- vivid — deep and hollow like a large cave, often about space
- low
- for sound or pitch — a deep voice is a low one, but 'low' loses the richness
- shallow
- the direct opposite — not far down, or lacking depth of thought or feeling
- superficial
- figurative and often critical — staying only on the surface
- Beginner The pool is too deep for the children.
- In writing She felt a deep sense of relief when the results finally came through.
- Advanced His silence was not empty but deep, the kind that holds more than any answer could.
'Deep' points down or inward — a deep hole goes far below, and a deep feeling goes far inside.
Synonyms for Deep
Related words
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Words that rhyme with Deep
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does deep mean?
Extending, reaching or positioned far from a point of reference, especially downwards. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does deep have?
Deep has 1 syllable. It is pronounced as a single beat: deep.
What part of speech is deep?
Deep is used as an adjective. As a verb, it describes an action or state.
What are synonyms for deep?
Words with similar meanings to deep include esoteric, profound, inscrutable, intense. The best synonym depends on the exact context you are writing or reading in.
How do you use deep in a sentence?
Example: "Russell is a safe pair of hands in the deep."