depth

depth [ depθ ] noun ***

▸ 1 distance through something

▸ 2 hidden qualities/ideas

▸ 3 information/importance

▸ 4 bright quality of color

▸ 5 not looking flat

▸ 6 when sound is low

▸ 7 deepest parts of ocean

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count or uncount the distance from the top to the bottom of something, for example the ocean, a river, or a hole:

depth of: What's the depth of the water here?

in depth: The pool ranges from 1 to 9 feet in depth.

to/at a depth of: Pour oil into a pan to a depth of 1 inch.

a ) the distance from the front to the back of something, for example a cupboard or drawer:

depth of: Measure the width and depth of the shelf.

b ) the fact that something is very deep or very long from front to back:

Any small object would be difficult to find because of the depth of the water.

2. ) count or uncount interesting qualities or ideas that are not immediately obvious:

His earlier albums were very popular but lacked depth.

hidden depths: She obviously had hidden depths of talent.

3. ) uncount the great amount of knowledge or information that a person has or a piece of writing contains:

depth of: I was impressed by the depth of his understanding.

The newspaper is proud of the depth of its coverage of international affairs.

a ) the great importance or seriousness of a situation:

depth of: These latest figures have confirmed the depth of the economic recession.

b ) the great strength of a feeling:

depth of: I found it hard to understand the depth of her love for this man.

4. ) uncount the very bright quality of a color:

depth of: The plant produces flowers with a wonderful depth of color.

5. ) uncount if a picture has depth, it does not look flat but looks as if there is a distance between the things at the front and the background

6. ) uncount the low and loud quality of a sound:

his unmistakable voice with its depth and richness

7. ) the depths plural LITERARY the deepest parts of the ocean

the depths of something

1. ) a place that is very far away or very far inside an area:

a tiny stream in the depths of the forest

2. ) the most severe part of an unpleasant time, feeling, or situation:

She was in the depths of despair.

the depths of winter

in depth

in a very detailed way and giving a lot of information:

This subject will be covered in depth next term.

We discussed the issue in some depth.

in your depth

able to keep your head above water when your feet are touching the bottom of a swimming pool, the ocean, etc.

out of your depth

1. ) in a situation that you cannot deal with because it is too difficult or dangerous

2. ) not able to keep your head above water when your feet are touching the bottom of a swimming pool, the ocean, etc.