Sprawled: meaning, definitions and examples

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sprawled

 

[ sprɔld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical position

To sprawl is to sit or lie in a relaxed and awkward position, often with parts of the body spread out in a careless manner. It can also describe how something spreads out over an area. Sprawling typically evokes a sense of laziness or lack of restraint. This term often conveys images of someone lounging or taking up a larger space than usual.

Synonyms

extend, spread, stretch

Examples of usage

  • He sprawled on the couch after a long day at work.
  • The city has sprawled across the valley, consuming the landscape.
  • She was sprawled across the bed, lost in thought.

Translations

Translations of the word "sprawled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espalhado

🇮🇳 बिखरा हुआ

🇩🇪 ausgebreitet

🇮🇩 terhampar

🇺🇦 розкинутий

🇵🇱 rozciągnięty

🇯🇵 広がった

🇫🇷 étendu

🇪🇸 esparcido

🇹🇷 yayılmış

🇰🇷 퍼져 있는

🇸🇦 منتشر

🇨🇿 rozprostřený

🇸🇰 rozprestretý

🇨🇳 扩展的

🇸🇮 razpršen

🇮🇸 breitt

🇰🇿 жайылған

🇬🇪 გაფანტული

🇦🇿 yayılmış

🇲🇽 esparcido

Word origin

The word 'sprawl' has its origins in the early 19th century, coming from the dialectal past participle of 'sprawl', which meant to 'spread out' or 'stretched out'. Its roots lie in Middle English, particularly the word 'sprallen', which meant to 'crawl' or 'tumble'. Over time, 'sprawl' evolved to describe not just physical actions but also situations, particularly urban development. In contemporary usage, 'sprawl' often refers to the uncontrolled or unplanned spreading of a city and its suburbs into the surrounding rural areas, leading to a decrease in agricultural land and natural landscapes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,541, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.