Inklingo
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profundidad

/pro-foon-dee-dad/

depth

A cross-section illustration of a deep, calm body of water, showing the great vertical distance from the surface down into the dark blue depths.

Profundidad (depth) refers to a physical measurement, like the distance from the surface of the water to the ocean floor.

profundidad(noun)

fA2

depth

?

physical measurement (e.g., of water, a hole, or a room)

Also:

deepness

?

less common synonym for physical depth

📝 In Action

La piscina tiene una profundidad de tres metros.

A2

The pool has a depth of three meters.

Necesitas excavar el hoyo con más profundidad para plantar el árbol.

B1

You need to dig the hole with more depth to plant the tree.

El buceador descendió a gran profundidad.

B2

The diver descended to a great depth.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hondura (depth (often used for water))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • gran profundidad – great depth
  • medir la profundidad – to measure the depth

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-d', 'profundidad' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la profundidad', 'mucha profundidad').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong article

Mistake: "El profundidad del mar."

Correction: La profundidad del mar. (Always use 'la' or 'una'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'de'

When stating a specific depth, you usually use 'de': 'una profundidad de 10 metros'.

An illustration of a single tree whose root system is extraordinarily long, complex, and intricate, spreading deeply into the earth to symbolize seriousness or complexity.

Profundidad (depth) can be used figuratively to describe intensity, seriousness, or complexity, such as the deep roots of a complex issue.

profundidad(noun)

fB2

depth

?

intensity, seriousness, or complexity (figurative)

,

profoundness

?

quality of being deep or insightful

Also:

insight

?

understanding or clarity

📝 In Action

El autor analizó el tema con gran profundidad.

B2

The author analyzed the topic with great depth (or profoundness).

Me impresionó la profundidad de su pensamiento.

C1

I was impressed by the depth of his thought.

Sus palabras carecían de profundidad emocional.

B2

His words lacked emotional depth.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • seriedad (seriousness)
  • complejidad (complexity)

Antonyms

  • ligereza (lightness, superficiality)

Common Collocations

  • profundidad de campo – depth of field (photography)
  • profundidad de análisis – depth of analysis

💡 Grammar Points

Abstract Noun

This meaning refers to an idea or quality (like 'seriousness' or 'complexity') rather than a physical object, making it an abstract noun.

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Feeling

To say something is felt deeply, use the phrase 'en lo profundo de': 'Lo sentí en lo profundo de mi corazón' (I felt it deep in my heart).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: profundidad

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'profundidad' in its figurative (non-physical) sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

profundo(deep (adjective)) - adjective
profundamente(deeply (adverb)) - adverb
profundizar(to deepen or go into detail (verb)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between 'profundidad' and 'hondura'?

They both mean 'depth.' 'Profundidad' is the most common and standard term, used for both physical measurement (like a hole or pool) and abstract ideas (like thought). 'Hondura' is often used specifically for the depth of water or a liquid.

How do I turn 'profundo' (deep) into the noun?

The adjective 'profundo' becomes the noun 'profundidad.' This is a common pattern in Spanish: adding '-idad' turns many adjectives into abstract feminine nouns (e.g., 'cruel' becomes 'crueldad', 'legal' becomes 'legalidad').