Deep vs. Abyss — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Deep" refers to a considerable extent downwards or inwards, applicable broadly, while "abyss" specifically denotes a bottomless or extremely deep chasm, often used metaphorically to suggest profound depth or darkness.
Difference Between Deep and Abyss
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "deep" is used to describe any substantial depth, whether it's physical, such as water, or abstract, like emotions, whereas "abyss" refers more specifically to an immeasurably deep or seemingly bottomless space.
In geography, a deep ocean area is significantly below the surface, featuring great depth, while an abyssal zone in the ocean specifically refers to depths typically over 4,000 meters, characterized by darkness and high pressure.
When used metaphorically, "deep" can describe serious, profound, or intense states of thoughts or feelings, whereas "abyss" often conveys overwhelming, unfathomable, or ominous conditions.
The exploration contexts differ; deep regions might still be reachable and studied with conventional methods, while exploring an abyss, like the Mariana Trench, requires specialized equipment due to extreme conditions.
In literature, a deep setting or theme might suggest complexity and richness, while an abyss is used to evoke mystery, danger, or existential dread.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Extending far down or inwards
A deep or bottomless chasm or pit
Usage
Broad, both literal and metaphorical
More specific, often with dramatic connotations
Connotation
Can be positive or neutral
Often negative or neutral
Examples in Nature
Deep sea, deep forests
Abyssal zones in oceans, deep caverns
Symbolic Meaning
Depth of feeling, understanding, or complexity
Profound isolation, danger, or despair
Compare with Definitions
Deep
Extending far below the surface.
The divers explored the deep parts of the lake.
Abyss
A bottomless pit or a profound depth.
The myth spoke of a monster rising from the abyss.
Deep
Very distant or far down.
The roots of the old tree ran deep into the earth.
Abyss
Used metaphorically to suggest profound separateness or isolation.
Between us lies an abyss of misunderstanding.
Deep
Immersed or involved in a serious manner.
She's deep into her research on climate change.
Abyss
A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
The abyss below the cliff was terrifying to look at.
Deep
(Informal) Very late or far into.
They talked deep into the night.
Abyss
In oceanography, the deepest part of the ocean.
Creatures in the abyss adapt to extreme pressure and darkness.
Deep
Profound or intense.
The lecture touched on deep philosophical issues.
Abyss
A situation where destruction or despair seems inevitable.
He stared into the abyss of his own fears.
Deep
Extending far down from the top or surface
The lake was deep and cold
A deep gorge
Abyss
An immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void
"lost in the vast abysses of space and time" (Loren Eiseley).
Deep
Very intense or extreme
She was in deep trouble
A deep sleep
Abyss
In the book of Genesis, the primeval Chaos out of which earth and sky were formed.
Deep
(of sound) low in pitch and full in tone; not shrill
A deep, resonant voice
Abyss
The abode of evil spirits; hell.
Deep
(of colour) dark and intense
A deep pink
Abyss
Hell; the bottomless pit; primeval chaos; a confined subterranean ocean.
Deep
The sea
Denizens of the deep
Abyss
A bottomless or unfathomed depth, gulf, or chasm; hence, any deep, immeasurable; any void space.
Deep
The part of the field distant from the batsman.
Abyss
Anything infinite, immeasurable, or profound.
Deep
Far down or in; deeply
He travelled deep into the forest
Abyss
Moral depravity; vast intellectual or moral depth.
They fell into the abyss of drug addiction.
Deep
Extending far downward below a surface
A deep hole in the river ice.
Abyss
An impending catastrophic happening.
Deep
Extending far inward from an outer surface
A deep cut.
Abyss
(heraldry) The center of an escutcheon.
Deep
Extending far backward from front to rear
A deep walk-in refrigerator.
Abyss
(oceanography) The abyssal zone.
Deep
Extending far from side to side from a center
A deep yard surrounding the house.
Abyss
(figurative) A difference, especially a large difference, between groups.
Deep
Far distant down or in
Deep in the woods.
Abyss
A bottomless or unfathomed depth, gulf, or chasm; hence, any deep, immeasurable, and, specifically, hell, or the bottomless pit.
Ye powers and spirits of this nethermost abyss.
The throne is darkness, in the abyss of light.
Deep
Coming from or penetrating to a depth
A deep sigh.
Abyss
Infinite time; a vast intellectual or moral depth.
The abysses of metaphysical theology.
In unfathomable abysses of disgrace.
Deep
(Sports) Located or taking place near the outer boundaries of the area of play
Deep left field.
Abyss
The center of an escutcheon.
Deep
Extending a specific distance in a given direction
Snow four feet deep.
Abyss
A bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
Deep
Far distant in time or space
Deep in the past.
Deep
Difficult to penetrate or understand; recondite
A deep metaphysical theory.
Deep
Of a mysterious or obscure nature
A deep secret.
Ancient and deep tribal rites.
Deep
Very learned or intellectual; wise
A deep philosopher.
Deep
Exhibiting great cunning or craft
Deep political machinations.
Deep
Of a grave or extreme nature
Deep trouble.
Deepest deceit.
Deep
Very absorbed or involved
Deep in thought.
Deep in financial difficulties.
Deep
Profound in quality or feeling
A deep trance.
Deep devotion.
Deep
Rich and intense in shade. Used of a color
A deep red.
Deep
Low in pitch; resonant
A deep voice.
Deep
Covered or surrounded to a designated degree. Often used in combination
Waist-deep in the water.
Ankle-deep in snow.
Deep
Large in quantity or size; big
Deep cuts in the budget.
Deep
(Sports) Having a sufficient number of capable reserve players
That team is not very deep.
Deep
To a great depth; deeply
Dig deep.
Feelings that run deep.
Deep
Well along in time; late
Worked deep into the night.
Deep
(Sports) Close to the outer boundaries of the area of play
Played deep for the first three innings.
Ran deep into their opponents' territory.
Deep
A deep place in land or in a body of water
Drowned in the deep of the river.
Deep
A vast, immeasurable extent
The deep of outer space.
Deep
The extent of encompassing time or space; firmament.
Deep
The most intense or extreme part
The deep of night.
Deep
The ocean.
Deep
(Nautical) A sounding that falls between marks on a lead line and thus corresponds to an estimated depth rather than a precise depth.
Deep
Extending far away from a point of reference, especially downwards.
Deep
Extending far down from the top, or surface, to the bottom, literally or figuratively.
The lake is extremely deep.
We hiked into a deep valley between tall mountains.
There was a deep layer of dust on the floor; the room had not been disturbed for many years.
In the mid-1970s, the economy went into a deep recession.
We are in deep trouble.
Deep
Far in extent in another (non-downwards, but generally also non-upwards) direction away from a point of reference.
The shelves are 30 centimetres deep. — They are deep shelves.
Deep
(in combination) Extending to a level or length equivalent to the stated thing.
The water was waist-deep.
There is an arm-deep hole in the wall.
Deep
In a (specified) number of rows or layers.
A crowd three deep along the funeral procession
Deep
Thick.
That cyclist's deep chest allows him to draw more air.
Deep
Voluminous.
To take a deep breath / sigh / drink
Deep
Positioned or reaching far, especially down through something or into something.
Diving down to deep wrecks can be dangerous.
I can't get the bullet out – it's too deep.
Deep
Complex, involved.
Deep
Profound, having great meaning or import, but possibly obscure or not obvious.
That is a deep thought!
Deep
Significant, not superficial, in extent.
They're in deep discussion.
Deep
Hard to penetrate or comprehend; profound; intricate; obscure.
A deep subject or plot
Deep
Of penetrating or far-reaching intellect; not superficial; thoroughly skilled; sagacious; cunning.
Deep
Low in pitch.
She has a very deep contralto voice.
Deep
(of a color or flavour) Highly saturated; rich.
That's a very deep shade of blue.
The spices impart a deep flavour to the dish.
Deep
(sleep) Sound, heavy (describing a state of sleep from which one is not easily awoken).
He was in a deep sleep.
Deep
Muddy; boggy; sandy; said of roads.
Deep
(of time) Distant in the past, ancient.
Deep time
In the deep past
Deep
Far, especially far down through something or into something, physically or figuratively.
The ogre lived in a cave deep underground.
We ventured deep into the forest.
His problems lie deep in the subconscious.
I am deep in debt.
Deep
(also deeply) In a profound, not superficial, manner.
I thought long and deep.
Deep
(also deeply) In large volume.
Breathe deep, drink deep
Deep
(sports) Back towards one's own goal, baseline, or similar.
He's normally a midfield player, but today he's playing deep.
Deep
The deep part of a lake, sea, etc.
Creatures of the deep
Deep
(with "the") The sea, the ocean.
Deep
A deep hole or pit, a water well; an abyss.
Deep
A silent time; quiet isolation.
The deep of night
Deep
(rare) A deep shade of colour.
Deep
The profound part of a problem.
Deep
(cricket) A fielding position near the boundary.
Russell is a safe pair of hands in the deep.
Deep
Extending far below the surface; of great perpendicular dimension (measured from the surface downward, and distinguished from high, which is measured upward); far to the bottom; having a certain depth; as, a deep sea.
The water where the brook is deep.
Deep
Extending far back from the front or outer part; of great horizontal dimension (measured backward from the front or nearer part, mouth, etc.); as, a deep cave or recess or wound; a gallery ten seats deep; a company of soldiers six files deep.
Shadowing squadrons deep.
Safely in harborIs the king's ship in the deep nook.
Deep
Low in situation; lying far below the general surface; as, a deep valley.
Deep
Hard to penetrate or comprehend; profound; - opposed to shallow or superficial; intricate; mysterious; not obvious; obscure; as, a deep subject or plot.
Speculations high or deep.
A question deep almost as the mystery of life.
O Lord, . . . thy thoughts are very deep.
Deep
Of penetrating or far-reaching intellect; not superficial; thoroughly skilled; sagacious; cunning.
Deep clerks she dumbs.
Deep
Profound; thorough; complete; unmixed; intense; heavy; heartfelt; as, deep distress; deep melancholy; deep horror.
An attitude of deep respect.
Deep
Strongly colored; dark; intense; not light or thin; as, deep blue or crimson.
Deep
Of low tone; full-toned; not high or sharp; grave; heavy.
The bass of heaven's deep organ.
Deep
Muddy; boggy; sandy; - said of roads.
The ways in that vale were very deep.
Deep
To a great depth; with depth; far down; profoundly; deeply.
Deep-versed in books, and shallow in himself.
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.
Deep
That which is deep, especially deep water, as the sea or ocean; an abyss; a great depth.
Courage from the deeps of knowledge springs.
The hollow deep of hell resounded.
Blue Neptune storms, the bellowing deeps resound.
Deep
That which is profound, not easily fathomed, or incomprehensible; a moral or spiritual depth or abyss.
Thy judgments are a great deep.
The deep of night is crept upon our talk.
Deep
The central and most intense or profound part;
In the deep of night
In the deep of winter
Deep
A long steep-sided depression in the ocean floor
Deep
Literary term for an ocean;
Denizens of the deep
Deep
Relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply;
A deep breath
A deep sigh
Deep concentration
Deep emotion
A deep trance
In a deep sleep
Deep
Marked by depth of thinking;
Deep thoughts
A deep allegory
Deep
Having great spatial extension or penetration downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or laterally or outward from a center; sometimes used in combination;
A deep well
A deep dive
Deep water
A deep casserole
A deep gash
Deep massage
Deep pressure receptors in muscles
Deep shelves
A deep closet
Surrounded by a deep yard
Hit the ball to deep center field
In deep space
Waist-deep
Deep
Very distant in time or space;
Deep in the past
Deep in enemy territory
Deep in the woods
A deep space probe
Deep
Extreme;
In deep trouble
Deep happiness
Deep
Having or denoting a low vocal or instrumental range;
A deep voice
A bass voice is lower than a baritone voice
A bass clarinet
Deep
Strong; intense;
Deep purple
A rich red
Deep
Relatively thick from top to bottom;
Deep carpets
Deep snow
Deep
Extending relatively far inward;
A deep border
Deep
(of darkness) very intense;
Thick night
Thick darkness
A face in deep shadow
Deep night
Deep
Large in quantity or size;
Deep cuts in the budget
Deep
With head or back bent low;
A deep bow
Deep
Of an obscure nature;
The new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms
A deep dark secret
The inscrutible workings of Providence
In its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life
Rituals totally mystifying to visitors from other lands
Deep
Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge;
The professor's lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them
A deep metaphysical theory
Some recondite problem in historiography
Deep
Exhibiting great cunning usually with secrecy;
Deep political machinations
A deep plot
Deep
To a great depth;
Dived deeply
Dug deep
Deep
To an advanced time;
Deep into the night
Talked late into the evening
Deep
To far into space;
Penetrated deep into enemy territory
Went deep into the woods
Common Curiosities
Can the term 'deep' be positive?
Yes, it can describe richness, complexity, or thoroughness positively.
Why is the abyss often associated with negative feelings?
It conveys notions of vast emptiness, danger, and the unknown.
How is the abyss different from simply being deep?
The abyss refers to extreme depths, often considered bottomless or immeasurable, used both literally and metaphorically.
What does it mean when something is described as deep?
It means extending far down from the surface or being intense and profound.
What might "looking into the abyss" imply in philosophical terms?
It suggests contemplating profound or existential challenges.
Are deep and abyss interchangeable in scientific contexts?
Not usually; "deep" is more general, while "abyss" has specific connotations, especially in geology and oceanography.
Can deep emotions be described as an abyss?
Metaphorically, yes, especially if they feel overwhelming or profound.
How does the common perception of these terms affect their use in everyday language?
"Deep" is commonly used in a variety of contexts, while "abyss" is reserved for dramatic or extreme scenarios.
How do safety measures differ between deep and abyssal explorations?
Abyssal exploration requires more specialized equipment and safety protocols due to the harsher environments.
How do deep and abyssal zones affect Earth’s ecosystems?
They play critical roles in biodiversity, carbon cycling, and could provide insights into Earth’s geological processes.
What are the challenges of exploring an abyss?
Extreme conditions, such as darkness, pressure, and the unknown nature of such depths, make exploration challenging.
What types of wildlife are found in deep versus abyssal zones?
Both zones host unique species adapted to high pressures and low light, but abyssal zones are often more extreme and less studied.
How do poets and writers use these terms differently?
Writers use "deep" to suggest complexity and nuance, while "abyss" is used to evoke extreme emotions or situations.
Is there a cultural significance to the concept of an abyss?
Yes, in many cultures, it represents chaos, the underworld, or primordial existence.
What philosophical concepts are associated with the idea of an abyss?
Themes of nihilism, existentialism, and the human condition are often explored through the metaphor of the abyss.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
