adj

deep

adj

Extending a long way down from the top or surface.

"The lake is surprisingly deep near the middle."

"They dug a deep hole for the new fence post."

Profound or complex in meaning; not superficial.

"They had a deep conversation about the meaning of life."

Low in pitch, describing a voice or sound.

"He has a deep, booming voice that carries across the room."

Intensely rich or saturated, describing colour.

"She wore a deep red dress to the gala."

adv

Far into or down through something, physically or figuratively.

"They hiked deep into the forest before setting up camp."

noun

(usually "the deep") The ocean, or a very deep part of a body of water.

"Sailors have long told stories of monsters lurking in the deep."

How to Use Deep

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGoing a long way down, or figuratively, something profound, rich, or intense.

Common mistake

As a directional word, "deep" describes downward or inward extent; "high" or "tall" describe upward extent — they aren't interchangeable.

Common pairings

deep breath deep sleep deep in thought deep water

Word Forms

deeper comparative, more deep comparative, deeper comparative, more deep comparative, deeped past tense, deeps plural, Deeps plural, deeps singular, deepest superlative, most deep superlative, deepest superlative, most deep superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The lake is surprisingly _____ near the middle.

Etymology

From Old English dēop ("deep, profound"), from Proto-Germanic deupaz, from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "deep."

Antonyms

shallow frivolous superficial light thin small high high-pitched

Related Words

meticulous night thin small kindle overweight drunk light

Rhymes for deep

eep keep weep seep peep Jeep beep meep creep sheep sleep sweep

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