Widen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
widen
[หwaษชdษn ]
Definitions
increase in size or scope
To make or become wider or larger; to increase in size or extent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| widen |
Used when making something physically wider or larger in scope. Often applied to roads, gaps, or physical spaces.
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| broaden |
Commonly used to describe expanding one's horizons, knowledge, or experiences. Often carries a metaphorical meaning.
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| expand |
Used for both physical enlargement and extending reach or scope, often related to business, ideas, or territories.
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| enlarge |
Typically used when talking about increasing the size of something in a physical or photographic sense.
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Examples of usage
- The road was widened to accommodate more traffic.
- She widened her eyes in surprise.
- The gap between the two buildings widened over time.
make more extensive
To become or make more extensive or comprehensive.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| widen |
Utilize 'widen' when talking about making something physical or metaphorical broader, often in terms of space or scope. It usually refers to something already wide being made wider.
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| broaden |
Choose 'broaden' when referring to expanding knowledge, experiences, or horizons. It often implies personal or intellectual growth, and is more abstract compared to 'widen'.
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| extend |
Use 'extend' when referring to making something longer in terms of time or space. It often implies lengthening or stretching something to reach further or cover more.
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Examples of usage
- The investigation widened to include more suspects.
- He widened his search to find a solution.
distance from side to side
The distance from one side to the other in a straight line or side to side.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| widen |
Used when talking about making something broader or increasing its range.
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| width |
Typically used to describe the measurement of something from side to side.
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| breadth |
Describes the extent or range of something, especially in an abstract or non-physical sense.
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| span |
Refers to the distance or range between two points, or the period of time something lasts.
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Examples of usage
- The widen of the river was measured by the engineers.
- The widen of the bridge allowed for two lanes of traffic.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, widening can refer to the expansion of objects due to temperature increases, as materials typically expand when heated.
- Widening in biology involves the growth of cells or tissues, such as blood vessels expanding when more blood flows through them.
- Ecologists talk about widening habitats, indicating that the environments where species live are expanding or changing due to various factors.
Education
- In educational contexts, widening participation refers to efforts to involve more diverse students in higher education.
- Teachers often use the concept of widening students' horizons, meaning exposing them to new ideas and experiences.
- Widening access to libraries and resources has been a key focus in promoting literacy across various communities.
Cultural References
- In art, the term 'widen' can be used to describe the technique of expanding perspectives or themes within a piece.
- Cinematography often employs wide-angle lenses to create a wider field of view, enhancing storytelling by showing more of the scene.
- In music, 'widening' can refer to the layering of sounds, creating a fuller and more dynamic auditory experience.
Health and Fitness
- In fitness, widening exercises target muscle groups to build strength and improve flexibility, like stretches that open up the hips.
- Widening your dietary choices often leads to better nutrition, encouraging the inclusion of a variety of foods.
- Mental health practices encourage widening one's circle of support, which means embracing new relationships and social connections.
Origin of 'widen'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'wรญdian', meaning to extend or spread out.
- It is derived from the root word 'wide', which has the same meaning.
- The usage of 'widen' can be traced back to Middle English texts around the 14th century.
The word 'widen' originated from the combination of the Middle English 'widnen' with the suffix -en, which means 'to cause to be.' The root word 'wide' comes from the Old English 'wฤซd,' meaning 'broad, extensive.' Over time, the word has evolved to its current usage in the English language to describe the act of increasing in size, scope, or extent.
See also: widely, widening, widespread, width.