Hairsbreadth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hairsbreadth
[ˈhɛrzˌbrɛdθ ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, the term reflects the thin line between success and failure.
- The phrase captures tense moments in survival stories heroically highlighting how close one can get to danger.
- Hairsbreadth imagery often appears in poetry to evoke precision and intricacies in life.
Measurement
- In practical contexts, a hairsbreadth is used when measuring accuracy or precision.
- Technologically, engineers sometimes reference it when discussing tolerances in machinery.
- In ancient times, individuals used comparable expressions to describe small intervals in various trades.
Psychology
- The term can symbolize anxiety, as being 'just a hairsbreadth' away from failure can create stress.
- It might also represent decision-making moments where choices are extremely close and impactful.
- Describing something as a hairsbreadth can invoke feelings of suspense, further engaging the audience's emotions.
Pop Culture
- In films and books, characters often find themselves just a hairsbreadth away from disaster or resolution.
- The phrase is commonly used in action movies when characters narrowly escape life-threatening situations.
- It has been referenced in games where players must avoid obstacles by a hairsbreadth to succeed.
Origin of 'hairsbreadth'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'hair' with 'breadth', indicating the tiny width of a hair.
- 'Hairsbreadth' has been used in English since at least the 15th century.
- Related terms include 'hair's breadth' which conveys the same idea of a very small distance.
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.