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Swathe: meaning, definitions and examples

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swathe

 

[sweɪð ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to wrap around

To swathe something means to wrap it closely or cover it completely with a material, such as cloth. It often implies a tight or secure wrapping.

Synonyms

bind, cover, enfold, wrap.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to swathe the baby in a soft blanket.
  • The gardener swathed the young plants with burlap to protect them from frost.
  • He swathed himself in layers of clothing to stay warm.
Context #2 | Noun

a large area

A swathe can also refer to a strip or a long stretch of something, often used in a figurative sense to describe an area that has been cut or cleared.

Synonyms

band, section, strip, zone.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer cleared a swathe of land for planting.
  • A swathe of forest was burned in the wildfire.
  • They mowed a swathe through the tall grass.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'swathe' comes from the Old English word 'sweðan', meaning 'to sweep'.
  • It originally referred to the act of wrapping or bandaging, especially in relation to how cloth is used to cover.
  • Over time, it evolved to describe broader covering methods, such as how a field can be swathed in crops.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, 'swathe' is often used metaphorically to describe emotional states or environments that envelop characters.
  • Writers employ 'swathe' to evoke imagery of safety, warmth, or concealment, enriching the reader's experience.
  • Classic literature often uses the idea of 'swathing' to reflect themes of protection versus vulnerability.

Cultural Significance

  • 'Swathe' can imply cultural practices where individuals are wrapped or dressed in specific ways, signifying status or tradition.
  • Certain ceremonies incorporate swathing as a way to honor an individual or mark a significant event, showcasing the intersection of culture and language.
  • Festivals in various cultures may involve swathing participants in colorful fabrics or materials to celebrate community and identity.

Science

  • In botany, swathing refers to how plants are covered or bundled, affecting growth and harvesting techniques.
  • In medicine, it describes how a bandage might be applied to protect a wound, showcasing practical applications of the term.
  • Ecologists may use the term to explain how animal behavior involves swathing movements to protect territories or young.

Psychology

  • The concept of swathing can extend to human emotions, where people wrap themselves in security blankets or soft fabrics during stressful times.
  • Swathing can symbolize the mental comfort that people seek during anxiety or fear, indicating a desire to envelop oneself in safety.
  • Therapists might use the idea of emotional swathing to discuss ways individuals 'wrap' themselves in coping mechanisms during difficult times.

Translations

Translations of the word "swathe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 faixa

🇮🇳 पट्टी

🇩🇪 Bahn

🇮🇩 sabuk

🇺🇦 полоса

🇵🇱 pasek

🇯🇵 幅

🇫🇷 bande

🇪🇸 franja

🇹🇷 şerit

🇰🇷 띠

🇸🇦 شريط

🇨🇿 pruh

🇸🇰 pás

🇨🇳 带

🇸🇮 trak

🇮🇸 bönd

🇰🇿 жол

🇬🇪 პატარა

🇦🇿 zolaq

🇲🇽 franja

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,282 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.