Widening: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is mostly used when referring to making something physically broader or wider. It is often applied to structural changes like roads, rivers, or spaces.

• The city is planning the widening of the main street to accommodate more traffic.
• There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor in many countries.

Use this word when talking about increasing the extent or scope of something, often in a more abstract sense, such as knowledge, horizons, or experiences.

• Traveling can greatly broaden your horizons.
• She wants to broaden her understanding of different cultures.

Use this term when referring to growing or extending in multiple ways such as area, volume, influence, or range. It is often used in business, technology, and abstract concepts.

• The company aims to expand its market share over the next year.
• When heated, the gas will expand and occupy more space.

This term is useful when referring to making something larger in size, dimensions, or amount. It can be applied to both physical objects and quantities.

• He decided to enlarge the photograph so it could be framed.
• The company has plans to enlarge the factory to increase production.

This term is often used when talking about making something physically wider or increasing a range or scope step by step. It can be applied to roads, opportunities, gaps, etc.

• The city is planning the widening of the main highway to reduce traffic congestion.
• The widening gap between the rich and the poor is a concerning issue.

This term is used when referring to a significant increase in size, volume, scope, or number. It is often used in business, economic, urban, and academic contexts.

• The company is planning an expansion of its product line next year.
• Urban expansion has led to the development of new residential areas.

This word is generally used metaphorically to denote spreading or expanding one's horizons, knowledge, or experience. It can also happen gradually over time.

• Traveling can be a great way of broadening your cultural understanding.
• Attending workshops and conferences helps in broadening your professional network.

This term is used when talking about lengthening something in time or space. It often implies an addition or continuation of something existing, like timeframes, deadlines, or physical structures.

• The deadline for the project has been given an extension of one week.
• The library will undergo an extension to include more study rooms.