profound / abyssal
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profound
In a figurative sense: extremely strong, deep, and usually negative. Used to intensify feelings or qualities such as hatred, grief, stupidity, or disappointment.
Nach dem Verrat spürte er einen abgrundtiefen Hass.
After the betrayal, he felt a profound hatred.
abyssal
Literal: as deep as an abyss; very, very deep. Describes a physical depth, e.g. a gorge or the sea.
Er blickte von der Klippe in die abgrundtiefe Schlucht hinunter.
He looked down from the cliff into the abyssal gorge.
The word is made up of 'der Abgrund' (abyss) and 'tief' (deep). It literally means 'as deep as an abyss' and is often used figuratively for very strong, usually negative feelings.
Sie empfand eine abgrundtiefe Enttäuschung.
She felt a profound disappointment.
You can recognize the literal meaning from nouns that describe a physical depth (e.g. gorge, sea). In all other cases, especially with feelings and abstract concepts, the figurative meaning is intended.
Sie blickten in die abgrundtiefe Schlucht.
They looked into the abyssal gorge.
'Abgrundtief' (profound) is almost always used to intensify strong, negative emotions or qualities. Typical combinations are: 'abgrundtiefer Hass' (profound hatred), 'abgrundtiefe Trauer' (profound grief), or 'abgrundtiefe Enttäuschung' (profound disappointment).
Sein Verrat hinterließ bei ihr ein abgrundtiefes Misstrauen.
His betrayal left her with profound mistrust.
'Abgrundtief' (profoundly) can also be used as an adverb to intensify a verb. In this case, it is not declined and describes the manner of an action.
Er hasste seinen Rivalen abgrundtief.
He hated his rival profoundly.
deeply
Both words intensify feelings such as disappointment or grief. Zutiefst primarily emphasizes a very high level of inner intensity and can also be used with positive feelings; abgrundtief usually additionally carries a strongly negative evaluation. Use abgrundtief only when this negative, drastic nuance is intended.
Sie empfand über die Entscheidung abgrundtiefe Enttäuschung.
She felt an overwhelmingly deep disappointment over the decision.
Sie war über die Entscheidung zutiefst enttäuscht.
She was deeply disappointed by the decision.
