Deep Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/diːp/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, verb, adjective

Definition

A deep is a hole or a depression in the ground, often used for the burial of the dead. It can also refer to a wide or profound part of the ocean or a river.

Examples

• The funeral procession descended into the deep for the burial of the deceased.
• The scuba diver swam into the deep to explore the underwater cave.

Synonyms

• Trench
• Fossa
• Abyss

Antonyms

• Shallow
• Surface

Etymology

The word “deep” originated from Old English “dip”, meaning “hole” or “cavity”.

Usage Notes

The word “deep” can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. It is often used in nautical contexts to describe the depth of water.

Cultural References

In literature, the term “deep” is used in the phrase “deep six”, meaning to dispose of something, often in a humorous or satirical way.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Deep end
• Deep water
• Deep six

Related Words or Phrases

• Depth
• Abyss
• Trench

Collocations

• Deep sea
• Deep water
• Deep hole

Frequency of Use

According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word “deep” is used approximately 12,000 times per day.

Common Misspellings

deeply, deap, depp, deeep