English Profile

depth · noun

/depθ/Full view

Word family

Nouns: depth

Adjectives: deep

Verbs: deepen

Adverbs: deeply

depth (DISTANCE DOWN)

B1 C or U the distance down either from the top of something to the bottom, or to a distance below the top surface of something

Dictionary examples:

the depth of a lake/pond

There are very few fish at depths below 3000 meters.

The river froze to a depth of over three feet.

Learner example:

But suddenly Laura did not feel any fear anymore and within a second she jumped into the air and fell into the endless depth of the Grand Canyon. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

depth (SERIOUSNESS)

B2 C or U when you have serious qualities or the ability to think seriously about something

Dictionary examples:

Terry lacks depth - he's a very superficial person.

Her writing shows astonishing depth.

Jo has hidden depths.

Learner example:

I think that the main reason why someone has to read this book twice is the strength and depth of the two main characters: Donald Woods and Steve Biko. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

in depth ()

B2 in a very detailed way

Dictionary example:

With access to the Internet, students can research their topics in greater depth.

Learner example:

I would love to learn English in more depth during the summer. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

depth (AMOUNT)

C2 U how much someone knows or feels about something

Dictionary example:

She was amazed at the depth of his knowledge.

Learner example:

More and more people seem to take refuge in the depth of his philosophy now. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)

out of your depth

C2 not having the knowledge, experience, or skills to deal with a particular subject or situation

Dictionary example:

When they start talking about philosophy, I'm completely out of my depth.

Learner example:

It was my first day of school. What I can remember is that I really felt out of my depth: my parents were so happy that I couldn't succeed in telling them that I was terribly frightened and that [the only] thing that I wanted was my doll. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)