To make or become deeper, either literally in physical depth or figuratively in intensity or understanding. To increase the extent, complexity, or profundity of something.
From Old English 'deop' meaning deep, with the verb form emerging in Middle English by adding the suffix '-en.' The word has maintained both literal and metaphorical meanings throughout its history. The figurative sense of deepening relationships or knowledge parallels the physical sense of excavation.
The verb 'deepen' beautifully illustrates how physical and emotional experiences mirror each other in language—we dig deeper into subjects the same way we excavate earth, suggesting that learning and understanding require the same kind of persistent, downward effort.
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