deep down — in your most private thoughts or feelings; secretly or really
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in your most private thoughts or feelings; secretly or really
Pronunciation (IPA): /diːp daʊn/
Example Sentences
- Deep down, he knew his cooking was terrible, but he kept entering cooking competitions.
- She acts confident, but deep down she's nervous about the presentation.
- Deep down, every cat owner knows their pet is plotting world domination.
deep down
ADVERB[/diːp daʊn/]
in your most private thoughts or feelings; secretly or really
Deep down, he still misses his childhood dog after twenty years.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase evolved from its literal physical meaning of spatial depth ('deep' + 'down') to a metaphorical psychological sense meaning 'in one's innermost being' or 'at heart'. Like hidden truths existing in ocean depths unseen on the surface, the expression came to denote genuine emotions and authentic feelings concealed beneath outward appearances.
Breakdown
deep (extending far below the surface) + down (toward a lower position) = combining to express depths of the mind or heart; the spatial compound underwent metaphorical extension to describe psychological or emotional profundity.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Deep down, he knew his cooking was terrible, but he kept entering cooking competitions.”
“She acts confident, but deep down she's nervous about the presentation.”
“Deep down, every cat owner knows their pet is plotting world domination.”
“Deep down, I always believed things would work out in the end.”
📚Related Words
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