First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1deep
adjective \ˈdēp\
: having a large distance to the bottom from the surface or highest point
: going far inward from the outside or the front edge of something
: located far inside something
Full Definition of DEEP
1
: extending far from some surface or area: as a : extending far downward <a deep well> b (1) : extending well inward from an outer surface <a deep gash> <a deep-chested animal> (2) : not located superficially within the body <deep pressure receptors in muscles> c : extending well back from a surface accepted as front <a deep closet> d : extending far laterally from the center <deep borders of lace> e : occurring or located near the outer limits of the playing area <hit to deep right field> f : thrown deep <a deep pass>
2
: having a specified extension in an implied direction usually downward or backward <a shelf 20 inches deep> <cars parked three-deep>
3
a : difficult to penetrate or comprehend : recondite <deep mathematical problems> b : mysterious, obscure <a deep dark secret> c : grave in nature or effect <in deepest disgrace> d : of penetrating intellect : wise <a deep thinker> e : intensely engrossed or immersed <she was deep in her book> f : characterized by profundity of feeling or quality <a deep sleep>; also : deep-seated <deep religious beliefs>
4
a of color : high in saturation and low in lightness b : having a low musical pitch or pitch range <a deep voice>
5
a : situated well within the boundaries <a house deep in the woods> b : remote in time or space c : being below the level of consciousness <deep neuroses> d : covered, enclosed, or filled to a specified degree —usually used in combination <ankle-deep in mud>
6
: large <deep discounts>
7
: having many good players <a deep bull pen>
— deep·ly adverb
— deep·ness noun
— in deep water
: in difficulty or distress
See deep defined for English-language learners
See deep defined for kids
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Origin of DEEP
Middle English dep, from Old English dēop; akin to Old High German tiof deep, Old English dyppan to dip — more at dip
Related to DEEP
- Synonyms
- abysmal, bottomless, profound
- Antonyms
- shallow, shoal, skin-deep, superficial, surface
Synonym Discussion of DEEP
broad, wide, deep mean having horizontal extent. broad and wide apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side <a broad avenue>. wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned <rugs eight feet wide> or applied to unfilled space between limits <a wide doorway>. broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered <broad shoulders>. deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point <a deep cupboard> <deep woods>.
Other Anatomy Terms
2deep
adverb
: far into or below the surface of something
: far into or inside something
: at a specified measurement downward, inward, or backward
Full Definition of DEEP
1
: to a great depth : deeply <still waters run deep>
2
: far on : late <danced deep into the night>
3
a : near the outer limits of the playing area <the shortstop was playing deep> b : long 6
See deep defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DEEP
before 12th century
3deep
noun
Definition of DEEP
1
2
: any of the deep portions of a body of water; specifically : a generally long and narrow area in the ocean where the depth exceeds 3000 fathoms (5500 meters)
3
: the middle or most intense part <the deep of winter>
4
: any of the fathom points on a sounding line other than the marks
See deep defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DEEP
before 12th century
DEEPLY Defined for Kids
1deep
adjective \ˈdēp\
deep·erdeep·est
Definition of DEEP for Kids
1
: reaching far down below the surface
2
: reaching far inward or back from the front or outer part <a deep cut> <a deep closet>
3
: located well below the surface or well within the boundaries of <deep in the ground>
4
: coming from well within <a deep sigh>
5
: completely absorbed <deep in thought>
6
: hard to understand <This story is too deep for me.>
7
: mysterious <a deep, dark secret>
8
: extreme in degree : heavy <a deep sleep>
9
: dark and rich in color <a deep red>
10
: low in tone <a deep voice>
— deep·ly adverb
2deep
adverb
deep·erdeep·est
Definition of DEEP for Kids
1
: to a great depth : deeply
2
: 2late 1 <She read deep into the night.>
3deep
noun
Definition of DEEP for Kids
1
: a very deep place or part <the ocean deeps>
2
: ocean 1 <Pirates sailed the briny deep.>
3
: the middle or most intense part <the deep of winter>
Medical Dictionary
deep
adjective \ˈdēp\
Medical Definition of DEEP
1
a : extending well inward from an outer surface <a deep gash> b (1) : not located superficially within the body or one of its parts <deep pressure receptors in muscles> (2) : resulting from or involving stimulation of deep structures <deep pain> <deep reflexes>
2
: being below the level of the conscious <deep neuroses>
—deep·ly adverb
Learn More About DEEP
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