deep

The word “deep” means extending a long way down from the top or surface. In plain terms, going a long way down, or figuratively, something profound, rich, or intense.

“Deep” is pronounced deep (/diːp/ in IPA).

Here is “deep” used in a sentence: “The lake is surprisingly deep near the middle.”

The opposite of “deep” — its antonyms — are shallow, frivolous, superficial, light and thin.

Depending on how it is used, “deep” can be an adjective, an adverb and a noun.

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

“Deep” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Deep” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extending a long way down from the top or surface.

The opposite of deep is shallow — not extending far down from the surface. A shallow pool reaches only a little way down, while a deep one goes far. Figuratively, "deep" (profound, serious) contrasts with "shallow" (superficial). In both the literal and the figurative sense, shallow is the standard antonym.

Deep describes something that extends a long way down from the top or surface, like a deep lake or a deep hole. Shallow is the reverse, reaching only a short distance down. The two words sit at opposite ends of the same scale, measuring how far something goes beneath its surface.

No. While "deep" often describes water, it applies to anything extending far from its surface or edge — a deep drawer, a deep wound, deep snow, or a deep forest. It also has figurative uses, such as deep thought, a deep voice, or deep sleep, all suggesting intensity or something far below the surface.

A deep swimming pool is one where the bottom is far below the surface, so you cannot touch it. Other examples include a deep well, a deep cut in wood, or the deep end of the ocean. In each, the distance from the surface downward is large — the core meaning of the word.