WordGarden.iodeepness
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈiːpnəs/
US
- /dˈiːpnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of extending far down or far inward
the quality of being profound, complex, or emotionally rich
Beyond the definition
Deepness isn't just about how far down something goes. It also describes the richness of an experience, the intensity of a feeling, or how meaningful a thought feels. Think of the deepness of the ocean, but also the deepness of grief or the deepness of someone's commitment to a cause.
While "depth" is more common when talking about physical measurements, "deepness" often emphasizes quality over quantity. A shallow pool has depth, but a story with complex characters and themes possesses deepness. You might describe a musician's playing as having deepness—meaning it's full of emotion and nuance. It's a word that hints at something substantial and meaningful beneath the surface.
Deepness refers to the extent or degree of profundity, intensity, or complexity. While often used in relation to physical depth—like the deepness of a canyon or a well—it also reaches into abstract ideas. It's about going beyond the surface and exploring what lies beneath.
You might speak of the "deepness of winter," not just referring to how much snow has fallen, but to the feeling of stillness and introspection it evokes. Or you could describe someone as having "emotional deepness," meaning they experience feelings with great intensity and understanding.
Unlike "depth," which is often a measurable quantity, "deepness" usually points to a qualitative feeling. A shallow conversation lacks deepness; a strong philosophical debate can have it. A painting might be praised for its "deepness of color"—suggesting richness and saturation beyond a simple hue.
The word isn't as commonly used as "depth," lending it a slightly more poetic or literary quality. It's often employed to emphasize the significant, substantial, or emotionally resonant aspects of something. Think of a character in a novel with layers upon layers of backstory and motivation—that character has deepness.
So, while depth tells you how far something goes, deepness reveals how much is there in terms of meaning, feeling, or significance. It's about the quality of being profoundly substantial.
Examples
- 1
Voice
The deepness of his voice made him easy to recognize on the phone.
- Usage
In everyday English, depth is much more common than deepness.
- 2
Paint color
She wanted paint with enough deepness to make the room feel warm and rich.
- 3
Emotional intensity
He spoke with a deepness of feeling that surprised everyone.
- Phrasedeepness of feeling
strong, serious emotion
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- bottomlessness
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- deepness of the water
- deepness of a hole
Word family
Explore
- depth perception
- vertical extent
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- deepnessnoun