Depths

ˈdɛpθs

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The plural form of 'depth', referring to the distance downwards from a surface; or the profoundness of something abstract.

ˈdɛpθs

nounneutralIntermediate
General

The plural of depth, referring to the distance downwards or inwards from a surface.

The divers descended into the ocean's depths to explore the coral reef.

💡 Simply: Imagine looking down into a deep well or ocean. Depths are how far down you go! It also can mean how much or how deeply someone feels something like emotion or sadness.

👶 For kids: The depths are how far down something goes, like a deep hole or the deep part of the sea!

More Examples

2

The artist explored the emotional depths of the human condition in his paintings.

3

The lake's depths remained a mystery to the children.

4

The depths of space are vast and largely unknown.

How It's Used

Geography

"The ocean depths teem with undiscovered life."

Figurative

"She explored the depths of her own sorrow."

2

Refers to the most difficult or inner parts of a topic, especially in a figurative or abstract sense.

ˈdɛpθs

nounneutralAdvanced
General

A plural of depth - the most difficult parts.

He had to confront the depths of his own despair.

💡 Simply: It's like the most challenging or important parts of something like 'depths of the ocean'. When you look at the deepest, most difficult parts of an issue, you look to it's 'depths'.

👶 For kids: This is the most difficult or inner parts of something.

More Examples

2

The novel delves into the depths of human nature.

3

They explored the historical depths of the city's old town.

4

He had to examine the depths of his trauma.

How It's Used

Figurative

"He had to face the depths of his own mistakes."

General

"The journey through the forest explored the depths of the wilderness."

Tip:Think of the deepest, most difficult problems as the 'depths.'

Idioms & expressions

in the depths of

During a time of intense difficulty or emotional state; deep within.

"In the depths of winter, supplies were scarce."

the depths of despair

The lowest level of sadness, hopelessness, or dejection.

"After the loss of her job, she sank into the depths of despair."

From Old English *dēopnes*, related to *dēop* (deep). The plural form reflects the abstract concept of deepness or the multiple aspects of a deep area.

Used in literature and everyday language since Old English times, originally referring to a physical distance below a surface, but increasingly employed to denote the profoundness of abstract ideas.

Memory tip

Think of scuba divers exploring the ocean's depths.

dephtsdepts

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written