deepen
make or become physically deeper
To make something deeper, or to become deeper.
to deepen [something]
- Heavy rain had deepened the ditch along the road.
- They plan to deepen the harbor so larger ships can enter.
- Over the years, the river has deepened its bed and changed course.
- The miners worked through the night to deepen the shaft.
- We need to deepen the groove slightly so the board will fit.
- The workers will deepen the well tomorrow.
- After the storm, the river bed deepened.
- They used a machine to deepen the long hole.
- We must deepen the canal for big boats.
- Dig a little more to deepen the pit.
make a feeling or situation stronger
To make a feeling or problem stronger or more serious, or to become stronger or more serious.
to deepen [a problem/feeling]
- The scandal only served to deepen the public’s distrust of the government.
- Rising prices have deepened the economic crisis.
- The silence deepened as everyone waited for the results.
- Her worries deepened after she read the doctor’s report.
- Tensions between the two countries have deepened in recent months.
- The news will deepen people’s fear.
- These new rules may deepen the problem instead of solving it.
- Her sadness deepened when she lost her job.
- The conflict deepened after the attack.
- Bad weather can deepen the feeling of loneliness.
make knowledge or relationships stronger
To know something better or be closer to someone, usually by learning more or sharing more.
to deepen [understanding/relationship/ties]
- The course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of climate change.
- Travel can greatly deepen your appreciation of other cultures.
- The experience only deepened their friendship.
- Regular meetings have deepened cooperation between the two companies.
- Reading widely helped to deepen her knowledge of modern history.
- This book will deepen your understanding of the topic.
- Living abroad can deepen your knowledge of a language.
- Shared problems often deepen a friendship.
- The project helped deepen ties between the two teams.
- Talking honestly can deepen a relationship.
make a color darker or richer
To make a color look darker or stronger, or to become darker or stronger in color.
to deepen [a color/shade]
- As the sun set, the sky deepened to a rich orange.
- The painter chose to deepen the blue in the background.
- Over time, the stain will deepen in color.
- The shadows deepened as the storm clouds rolled in.
- In autumn, the leaves’ colors gradually deepen before they fall.
- The blue of the sea seemed to deepen at night.
- The artist will deepen the red on this part of the wall.
- In the evening, the colors of the sky deepen.
- Her hair color will deepen after a few weeks in the sun.
- The paint will deepen as it dries.
make a voice or sound lower
To make a voice or sound lower, or to become lower.
to deepen [a voice/sound]
- His voice deepened as he reached his teenage years.
- She deliberately deepened her voice to sound more confident.
- The rumble of thunder deepened and shook the windows.
- His tone deepened when he spoke about his family.
- The engine noise deepened as the plane climbed higher.
- His voice will deepen when he is older.
- He deepened his voice to act like a king.
- The sound of the drum deepened as they hit it harder.
- Her tone deepened when she became serious.
- The noise deepened and became a low rumble.
- Base: deepen
- 3rd Person Singular: deepens
- Present Participle: deepening
- Past: deepened
deepen a relationship
1make a relationship more close
To become closer to someone emotionally, or to help two people become closer.
- Sharing personal stories can deepen a relationship.
- Working on a difficult project together really deepened their relationship.
deepen the crisis
1make an existing crisis worse
To make a serious problem or crisis even more serious or difficult.
- New trade restrictions could deepen the crisis in the region.
- Cuts to public services may only deepen the crisis facing low‑income families.
deepen ties
1make connections between groups stronger
To make the relationship or connection between countries, groups, or organizations stronger and closer.
- The agreement is expected to deepen ties between the two nations.
- Cultural exchanges can deepen ties between universities around the world.
deepen your understanding
1increase how much you understand
To know and understand something more fully and clearly than before.
- This course will help you deepen your understanding of data science.
- Reading widely is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of a subject.