What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
profound
Example
The philosopher's ideas were so profound that they changed the way people thought about the world. [profound: adjective]
Example
The loss of her mother had a profound effect on her emotional well-being. [profound: adjective]
acute
Example
He felt an acute pain in his chest and knew he needed medical attention. [acute: adjective]
Example
She had an acute sense of hearing and could detect even the slightest sounds. [acute: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Profound is less common than acute in everyday language, as it is more specialized and often used in academic or intellectual contexts. Acute is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including medical, emotional, and intellectual.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between profound and acute?
Both profound and acute can be used in formal and informal contexts, but profound is more commonly associated with formal or academic language, while acute is more commonly associated with medical or crisis situations.
