Spread over Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Spread over

🌎

Add to dictionary

spread over

[spred ˈoʊvər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a sentence

To spread over means to cover a large area or to affect many people or things.

Synonyms

cover, encompass, extend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spread over	Use when referring to something that is distributed or stretched across a surface or area. The picnic blanket was spread over the grass. Snow was spread over the entire town during the storm.
cover	Use when referring to something that lies on top of or conceals something else. She used a blanket to cover the shivering child. The report covers all aspects of the project.
extend	Use when referring to something that reaches out or continues across a distance or over time. The highway will extend to the new residential area. His kindness extends to everyone he meets.
encompass	Use when referring to something that includes a wide range of elements or areas within specified limits. The city plans to encompass several neighboring towns. Her responsibilities encompass both marketing and sales.

Examples of usage

The news of the accident spread over the whole town.
The dark clouds spread over the sky, announcing the coming storm.
The feeling of excitement spread over the crowd as the concert began.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In ecology, 'spread over' can describe how certain species of plants or animals expand their habitat, affecting local ecosystems.
In meteorology, the term describes how weather patterns cover large areas, such as rain spreading over a region.
In physics, 'spread' can refer to how energy or sound waves disperse through an area, impacting how we perceive phenomena.

Pop Culture

Numerous songs reference themes of love and warmth in the idea of spreading joy or kindness over communities.
Television shows often depict characters spreading gossip or news, illustrating social dynamics in humorous or dramatic ways.
In art, the concept of spreading is often used to symbolize influence or reach, such as murals that cover entire walls to impact viewers.

Psychology

The psychological concept of 'emotional contagion' describes how feelings can spread over groups, similar to how a mood can overtake a crowd.
Social networks allow ideas and trends to spread over large populations, transforming communication and behavior.
In relationship dynamics, the idea of support can 'spread over' friends and family, creating a supportive environment.

Literature

In poetry, imagery of something that spreads over is often used to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, or even sadness—depicting the human experience.
Classic novels utilize vivid descriptions of nature spreading over landscapes to symbolize character emotions or thematic depth.
Shakespeare and other playwrights frequently employed the phrase to articulate themes of love and influence, suggesting how one person can spread their impact in a community.

Origin of 'spread over'

Main points about word origin

The term 'spread' comes from the Old English word 'spearcan,' meaning to extend or to stretch out.
The phrase 'spread over' has been used in language since at least the early 15th century, highlighting how actions can cover physical spaces.
In English literature, the concept of spreading was often related to covering land or territory, reflecting a historical focus on property and agriculture.

The phrase 'spread over' originates from the combination of the verb 'spread' and the preposition 'over'. 'Spread' comes from Old English sprædan, meaning to scatter, disseminate, extend. The addition of 'over' intensifies the action of spreading, indicating a wide coverage or influence.