Widening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
widening
[หwaษชdnษชล ]
Definitions
road construction
To make something wider, especially a road or bridge, in order to accommodate more traffic.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| widening |
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.
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| broaden |
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.
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| expand |
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.
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| enlarge |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The city council is considering widening the highway to reduce traffic congestion.
- The widening of the bridge has significantly improved the flow of traffic.
communication
The act or process of becoming wider or more extensive.
Synonyms
broadening, expansion, extension.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| widening |
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.
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| expansion |
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.
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| broadening |
This word is generally used metaphorically to denote spreading or expanding one's horizons, knowledge, or experience. It can also happen gradually over time.
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| extension |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The widening of our social circle has introduced us to new perspectives.
- The widening of access to education has led to increased opportunities for many individuals.
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 when heated, as molecules move farther apart.
- Ecological studies often discuss the widening of habitats due to climate change affecting species' distribution.
- In mathematics, it might describe the increase in range, such as when graphing functions.
Pop Culture
- The concept of widening participation is often discussed in education, emphasizing inclusivity in schools and universities.
- Widening the scope of a story is common in film and literature, allowing for broader narratives.
- In music, certain genres have widened over the years, mixing different influences to create new styles.
Psychology
- Widening one's perspective can improve problem-solving skills and creativity, encouraging new ideas.
- The concept of cognitive widening relates to being open to diverse viewpoints, enhancing social interactions.
- Therapeutic practices often focus on widening emotional awareness, helping individuals understand and manage their feelings.
History
- Urban planning throughout history often involves widening streets to accommodate more vehicles and pedestrians.
- The widening of the Roman Empire involved expansion through conquest, influencing its culture across territories.
- The Industrial Revolution led to widening economic opportunities, although it also increased social disparities.
Origin of 'widening'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'widen', which means 'to make broad or wide'.
- It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root '*wฤซรพล', which also relates to the concept of breadth.
- The suffix '-ing' indicates it is an action or process happening now.
The word 'widening' originated from the verb 'widen,' which dates back to the late 16th century. The suffix '-ing' was added to form the present participle and gerund form of the verb. The concept of widening has been crucial in various fields such as construction, communication, and social development.
See also: widely, widen, widespread, width.