deep
deep
Deep (adj) means extending a long way down from the top or surface. Example: “Be careful, the water at this end of the pool is very deep.”
adj
1
Extending a long way down from the top or surface.
"Be careful, the water at this end of the pool is very deep."
"The lake is surprisingly deep near the middle."
"They dug a deep hole for the new fence post."
2
Profound or complex in meaning; not superficial.
"The novel explores deep questions about guilt and forgiveness."
"He gave a deep and thoughtful answer that made everyone pause."
"They had a deep conversation about the meaning of life."
3
Low in pitch, describing a voice or sound.
"The cello produces a deep, warm sound that fills the hall."
"The old church bell made a deep note that echoed across the village."
"He has a deep, booming voice that carries across the room."
4
Intensely rich or saturated, describing colour.
"The sea turned a deep blue as the sun began to set."
"She painted the front door a deep green."
"She wore a deep red dress to the gala."
adv
1
Far into or down through something, physically or figuratively.
"They hiked deep into the forest before setting up camp."
"The divers swam deep below the surface to see the reef."
"She was deep in thought and did not hear the bell."
noun
1
(usually "the deep") The ocean, or a very deep part of a body of water.
"Strange lights glowed far below in the deep."
"The submarine slowly sank into the deep, where no sunlight reaches."
"Sailors have long told stories of monsters lurking in the deep."
How to use deep
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- deeps
- Third person singular
- deeps
- Past tense
- deeped
- Comparative
- deeper, more deep
- Superlative
- deepest, most deep
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Be careful, the water at this end of the pool is very _____.
Etymology
From Old English dēop ("deep, profound"), from Proto-Germanic deupaz, from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "deep."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deep
See all rhymes for deep →Frequently asked questions
What does “deep” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “deep”?
“Deep” is pronounced deep (/diːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “deep” in a sentence?
Here is “deep” used in a sentence: “The lake is surprisingly deep near the middle.”
What is the opposite of “deep”?
The opposite of “deep” — its antonyms — are shallow, frivolous, superficial, light and thin.
What part of speech is “deep”?
Depending on how it is used, “deep” can be an adjective, an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “deep” come from?
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.".
Is “deep” a common word?
“Deep” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “deep” have?
“Deep” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extending a long way down from the top or surface.
What is the opposite of deep?
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.
What is the difference between deep and shallow?
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.
Does deep only describe water?
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.
What is an example of deep?
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.
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