The difference between Deep and Shallow

When used as nouns, deep means the deep part of a lake, sea, etc, whereas shallow means a shallow portion of an otherwise deep body of water.

When used as adjectives, deep means extending far away from a point of reference, especially downwards. extending far down from the top or surface, whereas shallow means having little depth.

Deep is also adverb with the meaning: deeply.

Shallow is also verb with the meaning: to make or become less deep.

check bellow for the other definitions of Deep and Shallow

  1. Deep as an adjective (of a, physical distance):

    Extending far away from a point of reference, especially downwards. Extending far down from the top or surface; having its bottom far down. Far in extent in another (non-downwards, but generally also non-upwards) direction away from a point of reference. In a (specified) number of rows or layers. Thick. Voluminous. A long way inside; situated far in or back. # Far from the center of the playing area, near to the boundary of the playing area, either in absolute terms or relative to a point of reference. # A long way forward. # Relatively farther downfield.

    Examples:

    "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."

    "The shelves are 30 centimetres deep. — They are deep shelves."

    "a crowd three deep along the funeral procession"

    "That cyclist's deep chest allows him to draw more air."

    "to take a deep breath / sigh / drink"

    "'deep into the forest'';  ''deep in the forest"

    "He is fielding at deep mid wicket."

    "She hit a ball into deep center field."

    "a deep volley"

  2. Deep as an adjective (intellectual, social):

    Complex, involved. Profound, having great meaning or import, but possibly obscure or not obvious. To a significant, not superficial, extent. Hard to penetrate or comprehend; profound; intricate; obscure. Of penetrating or far-reaching intellect; not superficial; thoroughly skilled; sagacious; cunning.

    Examples:

    "That is a deep thought!"

    "I just meant to help out a little, but now I'm deep into it."

    "They're deep in discussion."

    "a deep subject or plot"

  3. Deep as an adjective (sound, voice):

    Low in pitch.

    Examples:

    "She has a very deep [[contralto]] voice."

  4. Deep as an adjective (of a color):

    Dark and highly saturated.

    Examples:

    "That's a very deep shade of blue."

  5. Deep as an adjective (sleep):

    Sound, heavy (describing a state of sleep from which one is not easily awoken).

    Examples:

    "He was in a deep sleep."

  6. Deep as an adjective:

    Immersed, submerged (in).

    Examples:

    "'deep in debt;  deep in the mud;  waist-deep in the muddy water"

  7. Deep as an adjective:

    Muddy; boggy; sandy; said of roads.

  1. Deep as an adverb:

    Deeply.

  1. Deep as a noun (literary, with "the"):

    The deep part of a lake, sea, etc.

    Examples:

    "creatures of the deep"

  2. Deep as a noun (literary, with "the"):

    A silent time; quiet isolation.

    Examples:

    "the deep of night"

  3. Deep as a noun (rare):

    A deep shade of colour.

  4. Deep as a noun (US, rare):

    The profound part of a problem.

  5. Deep as a noun (with "the"):

    The sea, the ocean.

  6. Deep as a noun (cricket):

    A fielding position near the boundary.

    Examples:

    "Russell is a safe pair of hands in the deep."

  1. Shallow as an adjective:

    Having little depth; significantly less deep than wide.

    Examples:

    "This crater is relatively shallow."

    "Saute the onions in a shallow pan."

  2. Shallow as an adjective:

    Extending not far downward.

    Examples:

    "The water is shallow here."

  3. Shallow as an adjective:

    Concerned mainly with superficial matters.

    Examples:

    "It was a glamorous but shallow lifestyle."

  4. Shallow as an adjective:

    Lacking interest or substance.

    Examples:

    "The acting is good, but the characters are shallow."

  5. Shallow as an adjective:

    Not intellectually deep; not penetrating deeply; simple; not wise or knowing.

    Examples:

    "shallow learning"

  6. Shallow as an adjective (obsolete):

    Not deep in tone.

  7. Shallow as an adjective (tennis):

    Not far forward, close to the net

  1. Shallow as a noun:

    A shallow portion of an otherwise deep body of water.

    Examples:

    "The ship ran aground in an unexpected shallow."

  2. Shallow as a noun:

    A fish, the rudd.

  1. Shallow as a verb (ambitransitive):

    To make or become less deep.

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