deep
adverb/diːp/
/diːp/
(deeper, deepest)
Word Family
Idioms - deep adjective adverb
- deeply adverb
- deepen verb
- depth noun
- a long way below the surface of something or a long way inside or into something
- Dig deeper!
- + adv./prep. The miners were trapped deep underground.
- whales that feed deep beneath the waves
- deep in the forest
- He stood with his hands deep in his pockets.
- He gazed deep into her eyes.
- They sat and talked deep into the night (= until very late).
- The plane landed deep behind enemy lines.
- (figurative) to sink deeper into poverty/debt
Which Word? deep / deeplydeep / deeply- The adverbs deep and deeply can both mean ‘a long way down or into something’. Deep can only mean this and is more common than deeply in this sense. It is usually followed by a word like into or below:
- We decided to go deeper into the jungle.
- Deeply usually means ‘very much’:
- deeply in love
- deeply shocked.
- She can seem stern, but deep down she’s a very kind person.
- She can seem stern, but deeply she’s a very kind person.
Word OriginOld English dēop (adjective), dīope, dēope (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch diep and German tief, also to dip.
Idioms
See deep in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee deep in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishdeep down
- if you know something deep down, you know your true feelings about something, although you may not admit them to yourself
- Deep down I still loved him.
- if something is true deep down, it is really like that, although it may not be obvious to people
- He seems confident but deep down he's quite insecure.
dig deep (into something)
- to search for information in a careful and detailed way
- You'll need to dig deep into the records to find the figures you want.
- to try hard to provide the money, equipment, etc. that is needed
- We're asking you to dig deep for the earthquake victims.
dig (deep) in/into your pocket(s), savings, etc.
- to spend a lot of your own money on something
go/run deep
- (of emotions, beliefs, etc.) to be felt in a strong way, especially for a long time
- Feelings about the death of a parent are bound to go deep.
- Dignity and pride run deep in this community.
- This suspicion runs very deep among some government members.
still waters run deep
- (saying) a person who seems to be quiet or shy may surprise you by knowing a lot or having deep feelings
Check pronunciation:
deep