Hairsbreadth: meaning, definitions and examples
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hairsbreadth
[ ˈhɛrzˌbrɛdθ ]
small distance
Hairsbreadth refers to an extremely narrow margin or distance, often used to emphasize how close something was to happening. It can describe the state of being almost, but not quite, successful in an endeavor.
Synonyms
fraction, narrow margin, whisker.
Examples of usage
- She won the race by a hairsbreadth.
- The deal was made by a hairsbreadth of luck.
- He escaped injury by a hairsbreadth.
Translations
Translations of the word "hairsbreadth" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cabeleira
🇮🇳 बालों की चौड़ाई
🇩🇪 Haarbreite
🇮🇩 lebar rambut
🇺🇦 ширина волосся
🇵🇱 szerokość włosów
🇯🇵 髪の幅
🇫🇷 largeur des cheveux
🇪🇸 ancho del cabello
🇹🇷 saç genişliği
🇰🇷 머리 너비
🇸🇦 عرض الشعر
🇨🇿 šířka vlasů
🇸🇰 šírka vlasov
🇨🇳 头发宽度
🇸🇮 širina las
🇮🇸 breidd hárs
🇰🇿 шаштың ені
🇬🇪 თმის სიგანე
🇦🇿 saçın eni
🇲🇽 ancho del cabello
Etymology
The term 'hairsbreadth' is derived from two components: 'hair,' which refers to the slender strands that grow from the skin of humans and animals, and 'breadth,' which means width or distance. This compound word emphasizes an extremely small or minute distance, likening it to the width of a single hair. The first recorded use of 'hairsbreadth' dates back to the 16th century in English literature, suggesting a usage that pointed out the narrowness of space or margin in various contexts, from physical measurements to metaphorical applications. Its usage has persisted through the centuries, often serving as a dramatic way to convey just how small a gap can be in matters of success or failure.