Explanation at your level:
Depth is how far down something goes. If a hole is deep, it has a lot of depth. You can measure the depth of a pool with a ruler.
When you look at a lake, the depth is the distance from the top to the bottom. We use this word to talk about how deep things are, like shelves, boxes, or water.
Beyond physical measurements, we use 'depth' to talk about how serious or complex something is. If a conversation has 'depth,' it means it is very meaningful and not just surface-level talk.
In professional contexts, 'in-depth' is a common adjective used to describe detailed analysis. You might conduct an in-depth study of a market before starting a business, showing you have considered all aspects.
The word carries a metaphorical weight in literature and philosophy. 'Depth of character' refers to the nuanced, complex nature of a person, while 'depth of field' is a technical term in photography regarding focus.
Etymologically, 'depth' represents the transition from the Proto-Germanic 'deupitho'. It is a quintessential example of how physical perception shapes abstract cognition. In high-level discourse, it serves as a measure of intellectual or emotional gravity.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Depth measures distance from top to bottom.
- It also describes emotional or intellectual complexity.
- Commonly used in both science and literature.
- The plural is depths.
When we talk about depth, we are usually measuring how far down something goes. Imagine standing at the edge of a swimming pool; the distance from the water's surface to the floor is the pool's depth.
However, depth isn't just about physical measurements. We often use it to describe the intensity of feelings or the complexity of an idea. For example, a book might have 'great depth' if it explores complicated human emotions.
The word depth comes from the Old English word diepthu. It is closely related to the adjective deep, which shares roots with Germanic languages like the Dutch diepte and German Tiefe.
Over centuries, the word evolved from describing physical space to representing abstract concepts. It shows how language often takes a concrete physical idea—like water being deep—and uses it to describe the 'deep' nature of thoughts or character.
You will often hear depth used with verbs like 'measure' or 'plumb'. In a casual setting, you might say, 'I don't know the depth of this hole.' In more formal settings, you might hear about the 'depth of knowledge' or the 'depth of a crisis.'
It is a highly versatile noun that works in both scientific contexts, like oceanography, and literary critiques.
Idioms help us express complex ideas. Out of one's depth means you are in a situation that is too difficult for you. In depth means to study something thoroughly. At depth refers to being far below the surface of the sea.
These expressions show how the concept of 'downward distance' translates into our daily social and professional lives.
Depth is a singular noun, but its plural is depths. It is pronounced with a distinct 'th' sound at the end, which can be tricky for some learners. The IPA is /dɛpθ/.
It is often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific measurement, such as 'the depth of the ocean.'
Fun Fact
The word has kept its meaning very consistently since the Middle Ages.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'e' sound followed by 'p' and a soft 'th'.
Similar to UK, clear 'th' at the end.
Common Errors
- Dropping the 'th' sound
- Pronouncing it like 'dept'
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Requires practice with 'th'
Common word
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanc
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
The depth is large.
Article usage
The depth of the sea.
Pluralization
The depths of the ocean.
Examples by Level
The water has a lot of depth.
depth = distance down
noun usage
What is the depth of the box?
depth = measurement
question format
The hole has some depth.
depth = distance
simple noun
Look at the depth of the pool.
depth = distance
article usage
It is a big depth.
depth = size
simple structure
Measure the depth now.
depth = distance
imperative
The depth is two meters.
depth = measurement
stative verb
I see the depth.
depth = distance
basic SVO
The depth of the river is dangerous.
We need to check the depth of the shelf.
The depth of the snow made it hard to walk.
He measured the depth of the tank.
The pool has a shallow end and a great depth.
The depth of the cave is unknown.
She studied the depth of the ocean.
The box lacks depth for these items.
We need an in-depth analysis of the problem.
His voice had a surprising depth to it.
The movie lacks emotional depth.
They went to great depths to find the truth.
The depth of his knowledge is impressive.
The research covers the topic in depth.
The ship was lost in the depths of the sea.
The depth of the forest was dark.
The report provides an in-depth look at the economy.
She is clearly out of her depth in this new job.
The character development adds depth to the story.
The depth of the crisis surprised everyone.
We need to plumb the depths of this mystery.
The photographer adjusted the depth of field.
The depth of the winter cold was unbearable.
His writing has a certain philosophical depth.
The depth of the tragedy resonated with the community.
He explored the depths of human despair in his novel.
The committee requested an in-depth investigation.
The painting captures the depth of the artist's soul.
The depth of the silence was unsettling.
She possesses a rare depth of understanding.
The depth of the canyon is breathtaking.
The discussion reached a new depth of complexity.
The depth of his erudition was evident in every sentence.
She plumbed the depths of her memory to recall the event.
The structural depth of the argument was impeccable.
The ocean's depths remain largely unexplored.
The depth of the cultural shift was profound.
He analyzed the depth of the socio-political implications.
The depth of the color in the sunset was vivid.
The depth of their commitment was never in doubt.
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"out of one's depth"
in a situation too hard to handle
I felt out of my depth in the math class.
casual"in depth"
thoroughly
We studied the history in depth.
neutral"plumb the depths"
to reach the lowest point or understand something fully
He plumbed the depths of his imagination.
literary"at depth"
far below the surface
The submarine operates at depth.
formal"the depths of despair"
feeling extremely sad
She was in the depths of despair.
literary"in the depths of"
at the most intense part of a time or place
He was in the depths of the forest.
neutralEasily Confused
both are measurements
height is up, depth is down
The height of the building vs the depth of the pool.
same root
deep is adj, depth is noun
The water is deep (adj) vs The depth (noun) is 5m.
same root
deepen is a verb
The crisis will deepen (verb).
both are measurements
width is side to side
The width of the door.
Sentence Patterns
The depth of [noun] is [measurement].
The depth of the pool is 2m.
He measured the depth of [noun].
He measured the depth of the lake.
The [noun] has great depth.
The book has great depth.
In-depth [noun] is required.
In-depth analysis is required.
He plumbed the depths of [noun].
He plumbed the depths of the mystery.
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Apparenté
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
While 'deepness' is technically a word, 'depth' is the standard noun form.
Depth is the measurement; deep is the description.
Usually, we talk about 'the' depth of something specific.
Depth is only a noun; use 'deepen' for the action.
Some learners try to say 'depths' for singular, but it is 'depth'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a deep well in your palace.
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about water or complex ideas.
Cultural Insight
Used often in literature to show emotion.
Grammar Shortcut
Depth is always a noun.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'th' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it as a verb.
Did You Know?
It comes from Old English.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences about your day.
Register Check
Use 'profundity' for formal writing.
Plural Rule
Add 's' for plural.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'dep' (deep) hole in the ear (th).
Visual Association
A ruler going down into a dark blue ocean.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'depth' in three sentences today.
Origine du mot
Old English
Original meaning: diepthu (the quality of being deep)
Contexte culturel
None, generally neutral.
Used frequently in nautical and academic contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Swimming
- pool depth
- shallow end
- deep end
Academic Research
- in-depth study
- depth of analysis
- depth of field
Geography
- ocean depth
- canyon depth
- depth of the forest
Emotional Discussion
- emotional depth
- depth of character
- depth of feeling
Conversation Starters
"What is the depth of the deepest pool you have been in?"
"Do you prefer shallow or deep water?"
"How do you measure the depth of a conversation?"
"Why do some books have more depth than others?"
"Have you ever felt out of your depth at work?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt out of your depth.
Write about a book that had great emotional depth.
Explain the importance of in-depth research.
What does 'depth of character' mean to you?
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsNo, it is a noun.
Deep.
Like 'dept' with a 'th' at the end.
Yes, but 'depth' is much more common.
Depths.
It is often uncountable, but 'depths' is used for plural locations.
No, height is up, depth is down.
A very detailed study.
Teste-toi
The ___ of the pool is two meters.
We need the noun form here.
Which word is the noun?
Depth is the noun.
You can use 'depth' as a verb.
The verb is 'deepen'.
Word
Signification
Matching noun and verb forms.
He measured the depth.
He was out of his ___ in the new role.
Idiomatic usage.
What does 'in-depth' mean?
In-depth means thorough.
'Depths' is the plural of 'depth'.
Correct pluralization.
Word
Signification
Advanced collocations.
He plumbed the depths of the mystery.
Score : /10
Summary
Depth is the measurement of how far down something goes, whether it is a physical hole or the complexity of a human thought.
- Depth measures distance from top to bottom.
- It also describes emotional or intellectual complexity.
- Commonly used in both science and literature.
- The plural is depths.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a deep well in your palace.
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about water or complex ideas.
Cultural Insight
Used often in literature to show emotion.
Grammar Shortcut
Depth is always a noun.
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Apprendre en contexte
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