Word forms: comparative deeper, superlative deepest
1. adjective
If something is deep, it extends a long way down from the ground or from the top surface of something.
The water is very deep and mysterious-looking.
Den had dug a deep hole in the centre of the garden.
Kelly swore quietly, looking at the deep cut on his left hand.
...a deep ravine.
Synonyms: big, wide, broad, profound More Synonyms of deep
Deep is also an adverb.
Deep in the earth's crust the rock may be subjected to temperatures high enough tomelt it.
Gingerly, she put her hand in deeper, to the bottom.
deeplyadverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB adjective/-ed]
There isn't time to dig deeply and put in manure or compost.
This product removes deeply embedded dirt from all surfaces.
2. adjective
A deep container, such as a cupboard, extends or measures a long distance from front to back.
The wardrobe was very deep.
3. adjective [noun ADJECTIVE, asADJas]
You use deep to talk or ask about how much something measures from the surface to the bottom, or from front to back.
I found myself in water only three feet deep.
The mud is ankle deep around Shush Square.
How deep did the snow get?
Deep is also a combining form.
...an inch-deep stab wound.
...one of the many points on the river where the water runs thigh-deep.
4. adverb [ADVERB after verb]
Deep in an area means a long way inside it.
They were now deep inside rebel territory.
...deep inside the country.
The first goal originated from a free-kick deep inside Everton's half.
5. graded adjective
In sports such as football and tennis, a deep shot or pass is one that sends the ball a long way towards the end of the pitch orcourt.
[journalism]
...Steve Staunton's deep cross.
...a deep volley.
6. adverb
If you say that things or people are two, three, or fourdeep, you mean that there are two, three, or four rows or layers of them there.
A crowd three deep seemed paralysed by the images on these monitors.
The rest of the space was taken up by cardboard boxes piled right to the ceiling,ten deep.
7. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
You use deep to emphasize the seriousness, strength, importance, or degree of something.
[emphasis]
I had a deep admiration for Sartre.
...a period of deep personal crisis.
This attitude was in deep contrast with popular feeling in the rest of Italy.
He wants to express his deep sympathy to the family.
Synonyms: intense, great, serious [informal], acute More Synonyms of deep
deeplyadverb
Our meetings and conversations left me deeply depressed.
He loved his brother deeply.
Synonyms: thoroughly, completely, seriously, sadly More Synonyms of deep
8. adverb
If you experience or feel something deepinside you or deepdown, you feel it very strongly even though you do not necessarily show it.
I kept reassuring them but deep in my heart I knew we had no hope.
Deep down, she supported her husband's involvement in the organization.
Synonyms: inwardly, privately, secretly, within More Synonyms of deep
9. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
If you are in a deep sleep, you are sleeping peacefully and it is difficult to wake you.
Una soon fell into a deep sleep.
Synonyms: sound, peaceful, profound, unbroken More Synonyms of deep
deeplyadverb [ADVERB after verb]
She slept deeply but woke early.
10. adjective
If you are deep in thought or deep in conversation, you are concentrating very hard on what you are thinking or saying and are not aware of the things that are happening around you.
Abby was so deep in thought that she had walked past without seeing me. [+ in]
Before long, we were deep in conversation.
Synonyms: absorbed in, lost in, gripped by, intent on More Synonyms of deep
11. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
A deep look seems to see right into your mind.
[literary]
Peter gave him a long deep look.
Synonyms: wise, learned, searching, keen More Synonyms of deep
Deep is also an adverb.
He paused, staring deep into Mary's eyes.
deeplygraded adverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB preposition]
He looked deeply into my eyes and said, 'We should be together.'
12. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
A deep breath or sigh uses or fills the whole of your lungs.
Cal took a long, deep breath, struggling to control his own emotions.
At last he gave a deep sigh.
deeplyadverb [ADVERB after verb]
She sighed deeply and covered her face with her hands.
13. adjective
You use deep to describe colours that are strong and fairly dark.
The sky was deep blue and starry.
The tree has gnarled red branches and deep green leaves.
Deep is also an adjective.
...deep colours.
14. adjective
A deep sound is low in pitch.
His voice was deep and mellow.
They heard a deep, distant roar.
Synonyms: low, booming, bass, full More Synonyms of deep
15. adjective
If you describe someone as deep, you mean that they are quiet and reserved in a way that makes you think that they have good qualities such as intelligence or determination.
James is a very deep individual.
That expressionless face had seemed deep and mysterious.
16. adjective
If you describe something such as a problem or a piece of writing as deep, you mean that it is important, serious, or complicated.
This is a very deep question.
They're written as adventure stories. They're not intended to be deep.
17. adverb
If you are deepin debt, you have a lot of debts.
He is so deep in debt and desperate for money that he's apparently willing to sayanything. [+ in/into]
The company is sliding even deeper into the red.
deeplyadverb
Because of her medical and her legal bills, she is now penniless and deeply in debt. [+ in/into]
18. singular noun [theNOUN]
The deep means the sea.
[literary]
...a vast unfrequented pool, traversed by whales and creatures of the deep.
Synonyms: middle, heart, midst, dead More Synonyms of deep
19.
See deep down
20.
See take a deep breath
21.
See go deep
22. in at the deep end
23. in deep water
More Synonyms of deep
deep in British English
(diːp)
adjective
1.
extending or situated relatively far down from a surface
a deep pool
2.
extending or situated relatively far inwards, backwards, or sideways
a deep border of trees
3. cricket
relatively far from the pitch
the deep field
deep third man
4.
a. (postpositive)
of a specified dimension downwards, inwards, or backwards
six feet deep
b.
(in combination)
a six-foot-deep trench
5.
coming from or penetrating to a great depth
a deep breath
6.
difficult to understand or penetrate; abstruse
7.
learned or intellectually demanding
a deep discussion
8.
of great intensity; extreme
deep happiness
deep trouble
9. (postpositive; foll byin)
absorbed or enveloped (by); engrossed or immersed (in)
deep in study
deep in debt
10.
very cunning or crafty; devious
a deep plot
11.
mysterious or obscure
a deep secret
12.
(of a colour) having an intense or dark hue
13.
low in pitch or tone
a deep voice
14. go off the deep end
15. in deep water
16. throw someone in at the deep end
noun
17.
any deep place on land or under water, esp below 6000 metres (3000 fathoms)
18. the deep
19.
the most profound, intense, or central part
the deep of winter
20.
a vast extent, as of space or time
21. nautical
one of the intervals on a sounding lead, one fathom apart
adverb
22.
far on in time; late
they worked deep into the night
23.
profoundly or intensely
24. deep down
25. deep in the past
Derived forms
deeply (ˈdeeply)
adverb
deepness (ˈdeepness)
noun
Word origin
Old English dēop; related to Old High German tiof deep, Old Norse djupr
deep in American English
(dip)
adjective
1.
extending far downward from the top or top edges, inward from the surface, or backward from the front
a deep cut, a deep lake, a deep drawer
2.
extending down, inward, etc. a specified length or distance
water eight feet deep
3.
a.
located far down or back
deep in the outfield
b.
coming from or going far down or back
a deep breath
4.
far off in time or space
the deep past
5.
hard to understand; abstruse
a deep book
6.
extremely grave or serious
in deep trouble
7.
strongly felt
deep love
8.
intellectually profound
a deep discussion
9.
a.
tricky and sly; devious
deep dealings
b.
carefully guarded
a deep secret
10.
dark and rich
a deep red
11.
sunk in or absorbed by
with in
deep in thought
12.
a.
great in degree; intense
deep joy
b.
heavy and unbroken
a deep sleep
13.
much involved
deep in debt
14.
of low pitch or range
a deep voice
15.
large; big
deep cuts in the budget
16. Sport
having many good players in reserve
a team deep in pitching
noun
17.
a deep place or any of the deepest parts, as in water or earth
18.
the extent of encompassing space or time, of the unknown, etc.
19.
the middle part; part that is darkest, most silent, etc.
in the deep of night
20. Nautical
any of the unmarked fathom points between those marked on a lead line
adverb
21.
in a deep way or to a deep extent; far down, far in, far back, etc.
to dig deep
SIMILAR WORDS: broad
Idioms:
go off the deep end
in deep water
the deep
Derived forms
deeply (ˈdeeply)
adverb
deepness (ˈdeepness)
noun
Word origin
ME dep < OE deop, akin to Ger tief, Goth diups < IE base *dheub-, deep, hollow > dip, dump1
More idioms containing
deep
go off the deep end
be thrown in at the deep end
be between the devil and the deep blue sea
run deep
in deep water
still waters run deep
Examples of 'deep' in a sentence
deep
The history goes a lot deeper and further back than those three and a half years.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It does cut deep that no one will get to see the real me.
The Sun (2016)
Take a deep breath and just go with it as you join the busy traffic.
The Sun (2017)
We are borrowing the billions we give away and so are just getting deeper and deeper in debt.
The Sun (2017)
You might play it cool in a love bond but deep down you long for something more settled.
The Sun (2016)
The graphic shows the back four sitting deep in a 4-1-4-1.
The Sun (2016)
Set deep in space in the distant future, only two humans remain.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Because we lived in different countries, there was a year or two of deep anxiety.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet I feel a deep sense of being unfulfilled.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are love surprises when you discover how deep feelings now go.
The Sun (2013)
The feeling of betrayal goes far deeper.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We have to begin further back and deeper in.
Christianity Today (2000)
No one could doubt their deep love for one another.
The Sun (2011)
The deepest mines are four kilometres underground.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Yet there seems to be something deeper at work here.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The deep sea has almost no light and very low temperatures.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There is a deep sense of unease about the future.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Petrol blue or deep claret will brighten the skin.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In the hidden reaches where memory probes are sorrows too deep to fathom.
Amanda Mackenzie Stuart Consuelo & Alva: Love and Power in the Gilded Age (2005)
He was deep in debt and facing ruin.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Showing belief in a partner will lead to a deeper commitment.
The Sun (2009)
Love led to activity in four areas buried deep within the older parts of the brain.
Claudia Hammond EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: A Journey Through the Science of Feelings (2005)
This room has two deep window seats below the tall windows in the front and side walls.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It spoke to their long and deep taste for cruelty.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Take another deep breath and imagine the colour violet as you breathe out.
Vera Peiffer POSITIVE THINKING: Everything you have always known about positive thinking but wereafraid to put into practice (2001)
To probe a world as alien as the deep also takes sensitivity.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
How much deeper are the anxieties of millions of my fellow citizens?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He was a deep shade of green.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Your deeper understanding of a partner could upgrade your love life.
The Sun (2008)
The one where you use drop caps, sometimes up to ten lines deep.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The Quins squad is relatively deep, with good cover in the back row.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Quotations
Still waters run deep
In other languages
deep
British English: deep /diːp/ ADJECTIVE
If something is deep, it extends a long way down from the ground or from the top surface of something.
The water was very deep.
American English: deep
Arabic: عَمِيق
Brazilian Portuguese: profundo
Chinese: 深的
Croatian: dubok
Czech: hluboký
Danish: dyb
Dutch: diep
European Spanish: profundo
Finnish: syvä
French: profond
German: tief
Greek: βαθύς
Italian: profondo
Japanese: 深い
Korean: 깊은
Norwegian: dyp
Polish: głęboki
European Portuguese: profundo
Romanian: adânc
Russian: глубокий
Latin American Spanish: profundo
Swedish: djup bottenlös
Thai: ลึก
Turkish: derin
Ukrainian: глибокий
Vietnamese: sâu nông
All related terms of 'deep'
deep-dish
prepared and served in a deep pan or dish
deep dive
A deep dive into something is a thorough investigation and analysis of it.
deep down
If you know something deep down or deep down inside , you know that it is true , but you are not always conscious of it or willing to admit it to yourself.
deep-dyed
thoroughgoing ; absolute ; complete
deep end
the area of a swimming pool where the depth of water is greatest
deep fat
cooking oil or fat that is deep enough in the pan to cover food that is to be deep-fried
deep-fry
If you deep-fry food, you fry it in a large amount of fat or oil.
deep kiss
a kiss involving insertion of the tongue into the partner's mouth
deep-laid
(of a plot or plan ) carefully worked out and kept secret
deep rift
A rift between people or countries is a serious quarrel or disagreement that stops them having a good relationship.
deep-sea
Deep-sea activities take place in the areas of the sea that are a long way from the coast .
deep-set
Deep-set eyes seem to be further back in the face than most people's eyes.
deep-six
To deep-six something means to get rid of it or destroy it.
deep Web
the part of the World Wide Web not accessible through conventional search engines
dig deep
If you dig deep , you do a very thorough investigation into something.
knee-deep
Something that is knee-deep is as high as your knees.
run deep
if a feeling or a problem runs deep , it is very serious or strong , often because it has existed for a long time
skin deep
Something that is only skin deep is not a major or important feature of something, although it may appear to be.
the deep
the area of the field relatively far from the pitch
ankle-deep
tall or deep enough to cover the ankles
deep belief
Belief is a feeling of certainty that something exists, is true , or is good.
deep clean
an exceptionally intense cleaning process
deep design
a design process used in architecture , town planning, engineering , interior design, etc, the goal of which is to appeal not only to the thoughts and feelings of the conscious mind but also the visual imagery of the unconscious , while also aiming for sustainability
deep freeze
A deep freeze is the same as a → freezer .
deep-fried
(of food) cooked in sufficient hot fat to cover the food entirely
deep-fries
to cook (fish, potatoes , etc) in sufficient hot fat to cover the food entirely
deep fryer
a device for cooking food by submerging it in hot fat
deep green
a person, esp a politician , who is in favour of taking extreme measures to tackle environmentalist issues
deep-litter
denoting a system in which a number of hens are housed in one covered enclosure , within which they can move about freely, on a layer of straw or wood shavings several centimetres deep
deep pocket
extensive financial resources ; great wealth
deep-rooted
Deep-rooted means the same as → deep-seated .
deep-seated
A deep-seated problem , feeling, or belief is difficult to change because its causes have been there for a long time.
Deep South
The Deep South consists of the states that are furthest south in the United States.
deep space
any region of outer space beyond the system of the earth and moon
deep state
a group of senior civil servants and military officials believed by some to exert secret control over its country's government
deep throat
an anonymous source of secret information
deep-chested
having a broad , strong-looking upper body
deep discount
a discount far larger than normally offered
deep emotions
An emotion is a feeling such as happiness, love, fear , anger , or hatred , which can be caused by the situation that you are in or the people you are with.
deep feeling
A feeling is an emotion , such as anger or happiness.
deep freezer
any freezer for quick-freezing and storing food
deep-freezing
the process of freezing food at a very low temperature for storage
deep kissing
the act of taking part in a deep kiss
deep meaning
The meaning of what someone says or of something such as a book or film is the thoughts or ideas that are intended to be expressed by it.
deep pockets
an abundance of money or wealth
deep sympathy
If you have sympathy for someone who is in a bad situation, you are sorry for them, and show this in the way you behave towards them.
deep therapy
radiotherapy with very penetrating short-wave radiation
deep trouble
You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble .
deep commitment
Commitment is a strong belief in an idea or system.
deep connection
A connection is a relationship between two things, people, or groups.
Chinese translation of 'deep'
deep
(diːp)
adj
[water, hole, cut, breath]深的 (shēn de)
[voice, sound]低沉的 (dīchén de)
[sleep]酣睡的 (hānshuì de)
(= profound)
[person]高深莫测(測)的 (gāoshēn mòcè de)
[thoughts, ideas]深刻的 (shēnkè de)
[love, sympathy etc]深厚的 (shēnhòu de)
(= serious)[trouble, concern]严(嚴)重的 (yánzhòng de)
[colour]浓(濃)重的 (nóngzhòng de)
adv
深 (shēn)
it is 1 m deep[water, pool]它有1米深 (tā yǒu yī mǐ shēn) [shelf]它有1米厚 (tā yǒu yī mǐ hòu)
to be deep in thought/conversation沉思/深谈(談) (chénsī/shēntán)
to take a deep breath深呼吸 (shēn hūxī)
in deepest sympathy最深切的同情 (zuì shēnqiè de tóngqíng)
ankle-/knee-deep (in water)(水深)及脚(腳)踝/及膝 ((shuǐshēn) jí jiǎohuái/jíxī)
deep down/inside在内(內)心深处(處) (zài nèixīn shēnchù)
to go/run deep加重 (jiāzhòng)
to stand three deep围(圍)了3层(層) (wéile sān céng)
All related terms of 'deep'
deep end
▶ the deep end ( of swimming pool ) 深水区(區) shēnshuǐqū
deep-fry
油炸 yóuzhá
deep freeze
冷藏箱 lěngcángxiāng [ 个(個) gè ]
deep-fried
油炸的 yóuzhá de
the deep end
( of swimming pool ) 深水区(區) shēnshuǐqū
ankle-/knee-deep (in water)
(水深)及脚(腳)踝/及膝 (shuǐshēn) jí jiǎohuái/jíxī
deep down/inside
在内(內)心深处(處) zài nèixīn shēnchù
it is 1 m deep
( water, pool ) 它有1米深 tā yǒu yī mǐ shēn
to go/run deep
加重 jiāzhòng
to stand three deep
围(圍)了3层(層) wéile sān céng
to take a deep breath
深呼一口气(氣) shēn hū yī kǒu qì
to be deep in thought/conversation
沉思/深谈(談) chénsī/shēntán
to be thrown in at the deep end
被勉为(為)其难(難) bèi miǎn wéi qí nán
1 (adjective)
Definition
extending or situated far down from a surface
The workers had dug a deep hole in the centre of the garden.
Synonyms
big
wide
broad
profound
yawning
a yawning budget deficit
cavernous
bottomless
His eyes were like bottomless brown pools.
unfathomable
How unfathomable and odd is life!
fathomless
the fathomless space of the universe
abyssal
DEp (textmessaging)
Opposites
shallow
2 (adjective)
Definition
of great intensity
a period of deep personal crisis
Synonyms
intense
He was sweating from the intense heat.
great
his pronouncements on the great political matters of the age
serious (informal)
His condition was serious but stable.
acute
a patient with acute rheumatoid arthritis
extreme
people living in extreme poverty
grave
He says the situation in his country is very grave.
profound
The overwhelming feeling is profound shock and anger.
heartfelt
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the relatives.
unqualified
abject
DEp (textmessaging)
deeply felt
heartrending
Opposites
shallow
,
superficial
3 (adjective)
He fell into a deep sleep.
Synonyms
sound
She has woken me out of a sound sleep.
peaceful
I felt relaxed and peaceful.
profound
unbroken
We maintained an almost unbroken silence.
undisturbed
the undisturbed waters of the lake
untroubled
She remained untroubled by the reports.
DEp (textmessaging)
4 (adjective)
Before long we were deep in conversation.
Synonyms
absorbed in
lost in
gripped by
intent on
preoccupied with
carried away by
immersed in
engrossed in
rapt by
5 (adjective)
She gave him a long deep look.
Synonyms
wise
She has the air of a wise woman.
learned
searching
asking searching questions
keen
a person of keen intellect
critical
What is needed is a critical analysis of the evidence.
acute
His relaxed exterior hides an extremely acute mind.
profound
a book full of profound and challenging insights
penetrating
a penetrating mind
discriminating
These products are snapped up by more discriminating customers.
shrewd
discerning
tailor-made holidays to suit the more discerning traveller
astute
perceptive
a very perceptive critique of Wordsworth
incisive
a shrewd operator with an incisive mind
DEp (textmessaging)
perspicacious
a man of perspicacious judgment
sagacious
Opposites
simple
6 (adjective)
Definition
(of a colour) intense or dark
rich, deep colours
Synonyms
dark
strong
Having strong unrequited feelings for someone is hard.
rich
an attractive, glossy rich red colour
warm
intense
vivid
a vivid blue sky
DEp (textmessaging)
Opposites
light
,
pale
,
pastel
7 (adjective)
Definition
low in pitch
His voice was deep and mellow.
Synonyms
low
My voice got low and growly.
booming
The man had a large booming voice.
bass
a bass guitar
full
She has a full voice; mine is a bit lighter.
mellow
the mellow background music
resonant
He responded with a resonant laugh.
DEp (textmessaging)
sonorous
`Doctor McKee?' the man called in an even, sonorous voice.
mellifluous
wonderful mellifluous voices
dulcet
low-pitched
full-toned
Opposites
high
,
sharp
8 (adjective)
a very deep individual
Synonyms
astute
He made a series of astute business decisions.
knowing
clever
My sister has always been the clever one in our family.
designing
the wily cunning of a designing hypocrite
scheming
a cold, scheming villain
sharp
smart
He thinks he's much smarter than Sarah.
intelligent
Rita is a highly intelligent woman.
discriminating
shrewd
She's a shrewd businesswoman.
a shrewd guess
cunning
He's a cunning, devious, good-for-nothing so-and-so.
discerning
canny
He was far too canny to risk giving himself away.
devious
perceptive
insidious
They focus on overt racism rather than insidious aspects of racism.
artful
the smiles and artifices of someone subtly artful
far-sighted
The decision was described as a far-sighted, significant step.
far-seeing
perspicacious
sagacious (formal)
a wise and sagacious leader
DEp (textmessaging)
Opposites
simple
,
shallow
9 (adjective)
Definition
difficult to understand
a deep, dark secret
Synonyms
secret
a secret code
hidden
Uncover hidden meanings and discover special messages.
unknown
mysterious
He died in mysterious circumstances.
concealed
He was filmed with a concealed camera.
obscure
The contract is written in obscure language.
abstract
starting with a few abstract principles
veiled
esoteric
She has published several books on pathworking and other esoteric subjects.
mystifying
impenetrable
His philosophical work is notoriously impenetrable.
arcane
the arcane world of contemporary music
abstruse
Meetings keep reverting to discussions about abstruse resolutions.
recondite
Her poems are recondite in subject matter.
DEp (textmessaging)
(noun)
in the deep of night
Synonyms
middle
I was in the middle of the back row.
heart
midst
The organisation realised it had a traitor in its midst.
dead
in the dead of night
thick
I enjoy being in the thick of things.
culmination
DEp (textmessaging)
1 (adverb)
They travelled deep into the forest.
Synonyms
far
They came from far away.
a long way
a good way
miles
deeply
far down
a great distance
DEp (textmessaging)
2 (adverb)
Definition
late
We talked deep into the night.
Synonyms
late
far
for a long time
DEp (textmessaging)
3 (adverb)
Definition
profoundly or intensely
Deep in my heart I knew we had no hope.
Synonyms
inwardly
She smiled inwardly.
privately
He was privately annoyed at the request.
secretly
within
inside
Do you get a feeling inside when you write something you like?
at heart
to yourself
deep down
DEp (textmessaging)
in your inmost heart
phrase
See the deep
proverb
Still waters run deep
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abstract
Definition
not applied or practical
starting with a few abstract principles
Synonyms
theoretical,
general,
complex,
academic,
intellectual,
subtle,
profound,
philosophical,
speculative,
unrealistic,
conceptual,
indefinite,
deep,
separate,
occult,
hypothetical,
generalized,
impractical,
arcane,
notional,
abstruse,
recondite,
theoretic,
conjectural,
unpractical,
nonconcrete
in the sense of abstruse
Definition
not easy to understand
Meetings keep reverting to discussions about abstruse resolutions.