profound
Noun
Easy difficulty
What does “profound” mean?
noun.very great or intense.
SAT Usage
"profound" often appears in passages related to philosophy, psychology, or literature, emphasizing deep insight or significant impact. It conveys a sense of intensity and seriousness that distinguishes it from simpler terms like "strong" or "deep," suggesting not just intensity but also a meaningful or transformative quality.
Common Confusions
Profound implies a deep and transformative insight or impact, while intense usually suggests a high degree of strength or force without the same level of significance or meaning.
Do not choose profound if the context emphasizes superficiality or shallowness rather than very great or intense.
Example Sentences
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Losing a parent can have a profound effect on a child.
Word Parts: How to Remember “profound”
Break “profound” into its parts: pro- (forward, in favor of). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
pro-forward, in favor of (Latin)