WordGarden.iodeeply
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈiːpli/
US
- /ˈdipli/
Meanings
Adverb
to a great, intense, or profound degree
far down, well below the surface, or to a great physical depth
Beyond the definition
To feel deeply is to experience something with real intensity, not only on the surface. Think of a vast ocean: feeling deeply means reaching the strong currents below. You might be deeply moved by a song, deeply affected by sad news, or deeply in love with someone. It usually means the feeling lasts longer and reaches further inside you.
The word also works beyond emotions. It can describe physical depth, as in breathing deeply to calm yourself or roots growing deeply into soil. A fleeting thought disappears quickly, but a deeply held belief can shape who you become. You can also use deeply to show strong negative emotion, such as being deeply saddened or disappointed by the news.
"Deeply" is an adverb that shows strong intensity or physical depth. It means something is not only on the surface, but reaches a deeper emotional, mental, or physical level.
Think of it as layers: a shallow feeling may only touch the top, while a deeply felt emotion moves farther through the inside. You can be deeply committed to a cause, meaning you have put real time, energy, and belief into it. A character in a novel can be deeply flawed, showing inner conflict and complex motivations. It is also used with physical actions: to breathe deeply means taking fuller breaths, and dropping an anchor deeply into the sea gives steadier hold.
"Deeply" often appears with emotion words ("deeply saddened," "deeply grateful"), beliefs ("deeply religious," "deeply convinced"), or engagement ("deeply involved," "deeply invested"). It adds weight and seriousness to the words it modifies. Unlike "very" or "much," deeply suggests an effect that is lasting and meaningful, not only strong. It points to real depth, not just size.
Examples
- 1
Emotional reaction
She was deeply upset by the news.
- 2
Apology
We are deeply sorry for the delay.
- 3
Family care
He cares deeply about his children.
- Patterncare deeply about + person/issue
care very much about them or it
- 4
Public concern
Many people are deeply concerned about the cost of housing.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal regret
I deeply regret not telling the truth earlier.
- 6
Romance
They fell deeply in love over the summer.
- 7
Emotional impact
The story deeply affected everyone in the room.
- 8
Cultural roots
Respect for elders is deeply rooted in the culture.
- Patterndeeply rooted in + place/culture/belief
strongly established in it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- deeply concerned
- deeply affected
- deeply rooted
- deeply held belief
Word family
Explore
- intensity
- emotional depth
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- deeplyadverb