Depth
/dɛpθ/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe distance downward from a surface, or to the bottom of something.
/dɛpθ/
The distance from the top or surface to the bottom.
The depth of the pool was clearly marked.
💡 Simply: How far down something goes! Like, how deep is the pool? Or how deep is the ocean?
👶 For kids: How far down something goes. Like how deep a puddle is!
More Examples
The divers measured the depth of the lake.
How It's Used
"The depth of the Mariana Trench is over 36,000 feet."
"The structural engineer calculated the depth of the foundation."
The intensity or significance of something; the profoundness of thought, feeling, or meaning.
/dɛpθ/
Intensity or degree of something.
The film lacked depth in its character development.
💡 Simply: How much something really means or how strong it is. Like, the depth of someone's sadness or the depth of their knowledge.
👶 For kids: How strong something is, like how deep your feelings are.
More Examples
He showed great depth of understanding on the subject.
How It's Used
"The therapist explored the depth of the patient's trauma."
"The author explored the depths of human emotion in the novel."
Idioms & expressions
in depth
Thoroughly; covering all aspects of a subject.
"The report examined the issue in depth."
out of the depths
From a state of extreme trouble, despair, or ignorance.
"After years of struggle, the company emerged out of the depths of financial ruin."
From Old English *dēopnes*, related to *dēop* (deep). The word has existed in English since at least the 12th century, evolving from describing physical distance to abstract concepts.
The word has been used to describe both physical measurements and abstract concepts for centuries. Early uses often focused on physical distances and the earth's crust. Later, it expanded to signify intellectual and emotional scope.
Memory tip
Imagine a deep well; the depth is how far down you would have to go to reach the water.
Word Origin
"Measurement of distance downwards"