Sprawling - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

physical space

Sprawling refers to something that spreads out over an extensive area in a careless or irregular manner. It often describes urban development that expands beyond a central point, resulting in a lack of organization and coherence. The term can also apply to plants or vines that grow in a wild or uncontrolled fashion.

Synonyms

dispersed, expansive, spread out, uncontrolled.

Examples of usage

The sprawling city suburbs extended far beyond the original boundaries.
He admired the sprawling landscapes shown in the paintings.
The children enjoyed playing in the sprawling gardens.
That sprawling vine took over the entire wall of the house.

Interesting Facts

Urban Development

Many cities today are described as sprawling due to their large areas and low-density layouts, often affecting transportation and the environment.
Sprawl can lead to the development of suburbs, where housing spreads far from city centers, impacting community ties.
The concept of 'urban sprawl' is critical in planning to balance nature and city growth.

Literature

Sprawling narratives in literature often feature complex plots and numerous characters weaving in and out of different settings.
The 'sprawling' nature of some novels allows for a deep exploration of themes and character development.
Authors like James Joyce used sprawling techniques to reflect the complexity of life in urban settings.

Ecology

In ecology, sprawling can refer to how certain plants and animals spread out in their habitats, often to compete for resources.
Some species have sprawling forms to capture more sunlight, like creeping plants that spread across the ground.
The balance of sprawling ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity, helping different species thrive.

Psychology

Sprawling thoughts in psychology can reflect a person’s mental state, sometimes indicating cognitive overload.
The term may also be used to describe sprawling emotions that are difficult to manage, leading to a sense of chaos.
Mind mapping techniques can help organize sprawling thoughts into more manageable segments, promoting clarity.

Origin of 'sprawling'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English term 'spral', meaning to stretch or spread.
It has old roots related to the word 'sprawl', which described the way plants grow widely.
The use of 'sprawling' was popularized in the 19th century to describe both nature and urban landscapes.

The word 'sprawling' originated from the verb 'sprawl', which dates back to the late 19th century. It is believed to have evolved from the Middle English word 'sprawlen', which meant to stretch out or to spread. The term 'sprawl' itself implies not just physical expansion but can also encompass a sense of disorganization or unnaturalness in the way something grows or develops. Initially, it referred to the way limbs might spread out awkwardly when a person falls or lies down. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass urban development that grows without much planning, leading to the concept of 'urban sprawl' in the 20th century. This modern interpretation highlights the challenges associated with rapid and uncontrolled growth in cities, affecting infrastructure, transportation, and the environment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,662, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16659 annihilated
16660 lash
16661 vaulted
16662 sprawling
16663 actionable
16664 unaided
16665 disseminating
...

Sprawling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations