profondément

Profondément is a French adverb meaning deeply or profoundly. It is used to express a high degree of emotion, belief, or intensity, and can modify verbs (penser, réfléchir, aimer), adjectives (heureux, sincère) or entire clauses (Je suis profondément convaincu que...). It conveys a sense of sincerity or seriousness beyond a simple degree adverb like très.

Etymology and form: profondemment is derived from the adjective profond (deep) with the adverbial suffix -ment. The root profond traces back to Latin profundus and historically to Old French. The adverb is widely used across formal, literary, and journalistic registers, as well as in everyday speech.

Usage and nuances: Profondément often emphasizes inner quality or moral weight—emotions, convictions, or evaluations that feel substantial or lasting. It is common before adjectives (profondément triste), before verb phrases (penser profondément, réfléchir profondément), or before clauses to intensify a statement (Je suis profondément convaincu que...). It can be contrasted with more superficial intensifiers like “très” or with phrases like “à fond” depending on context.

Examples:

- Je suis profondément convaincu que ce projet est viable. (I am deeply convinced that this project is viable.)

- Elle réfléchit profondément avant de prendre une décision. (She thinks deeply before making a decision.)

- Le récit dépeint des personnages profondément humains. (The narrative portrays deeply human characters.)

Related terms: synonyms include intensément, ardemment; antonyms can be superficiellement or légèrement. The expression à fond conveys a related sense of total engagement in a different construction. See also: adverbial suffix -ment, listed French adverbs.