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Deep vs Profound vs Abysmal

Deep and profound denote extended either downward from a surface or, less often, backward or inward from a front or outer part.

Deep is the most general term. As applied to persons or to mental states or processes, deep implies the presence or a necessity for the exercise of penetration or subtlety, sometimes of craft.

Profound connotes exceedingly great depth. It may imply the presence or need of thoroughness. As expressing intensity, profound is commonly stronger than deep.

Abysmal carries the idea of abyss, infinite depth, and implies fathomless distance downward, backward, or inward from a surface. It may imply measureless degree and is then used with words denoting a lack of something.