thellësi

Thellësi is a noun in Albanian that denotes depth or profundity. It is used for both physical depth—such as the vertical distance from a surface to a lower boundary—and metaphorical depth, including the depth of knowledge, feeling, or meaning. The term can describe how far beneath the surface something lies or how rich and complex an idea or experience is.

Etymology and form: thellësi is formed from the adjective thellë, meaning deep, with the suffix -si that creates an abstract noun. This construction is common in Albanian to express a measurable or qualitative depth.

Usage in physical contexts: In geography, oceanography, and geology, thellësi refers to the vertical distance from the surface to a lower limit (for example, ocean depth or soil depth). It is typically measured in meters and determined through instruments such as depth gauges, sonar, and bathymetric surveys. The term appears in scientific texts as a precise spatial concept, often accompanied by related measurements like topography and bathymetry.

Usage in metaphorical contexts: Thellësi is frequently used to express complexity, significance, or intensity. Phrases such as thellësia e një argumenti, thellësia emocionale, or thellësia kulturore convey depth of thought, emotion, or cultural meaning. In literature, criticism, and everyday speech, the term helps articulate nuance, ambiguity, or seriousness.

See also: depth; profundity.