Definition
Having a great depth; used for physical spaces like water or holes, and also for strong feelings or ideas.
Example
Le lac est très profond à cet endroit.
Show translation
The lake is very deep at this spot.
Etymology
From Latin *profundus*, composed of *pro-* ("forward, in front") and *fundus* ("bottom, base") — literally "having a far-away bottom." The same root gives English "profound" and the musical term "bass profundo."
Cultural note
French uses *profond* freely in both literal and figurative registers, in ways that English would split between "deep" (physical) and "profound" (intellectual/emotional). Un sommeil profond is "a deep sleep," une pensée profonde is "a profound thought" — the same adjective covers both. Watch out for the silent final *d* in masculine form; the feminine *profonde* /pʁɔˈfɔ̃d/ makes that *d* audible.