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Definition of deepen

deepen

/ˈdiː.pən/
deep · en
Adverb:deeply
•
Adjective:deep
•
Past Simple:deepened
•
Past Participle:deepened
•
Present Participle:deepening
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deepen Lexical Profile

deepen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become more intense, profound, or severe (of an emotion, relationship, understanding, or situation).

Example

"Studying abroad helped to deepen her appreciation for different cultural traditions and perspectives."

2

To make or become physically deeper or further down from the surface.

Example

"The engineering crew worked for months to deepen the harbor channel so larger cargo ships could pass safely."

3

To become darker in shade or lower in pitch (of a color or sound).

Example

"As the sun dipped below the horizon, the twilight sky began to deepen from pale violet to midnight blue."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for deepen

• Rhymes for deepen

• Nearby Words

deemphasize
deep
deep-freeze
deepen
deepfake
deepfelt
deepfreeze

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English (around 1600) from the adjective 'deep' (from Old English 'deop') combined with the verb-forming suffix '-en', replacing the earlier Old English verb 'diepan'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deepen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deepen
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