Spanning
'spænɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo extend or stretch from one point to another; to include or cover a range of time, space, or subject matter.
'spænɪŋ
To extend across a space or time.
The bridge spans the river.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really long rainbow! It's *spanning* across the sky, from one side to the other. It means something stretches out across a space or time, like a bridge over a river or a song that goes on for a while.
👶 For kids: To go from one side to the other, like a bridge over a river.
More Examples
The project spans a period of three years.
The book spans different genres.
How It's Used
"The bridge is designed to span the wide river."
"The exhibition spans the entire history of the artist's work."
"The conversation spanned several different topics."
To have a certain measurement from end to end; to cover or include a particular range.
'spænɪŋ
To have a specified extent or reach.
The bridge spans 500 feet.
💡 Simply: If you measure how far something goes from one end to the other, like the wings of a bird, you're talking about its *spanning*. It's like saying how long or wide something is.
👶 For kids: To be as wide as something is, like how far apart your arms can reach.
More Examples
The empire spanned a large territory.
Her interests span a variety of fields.
How It's Used
"The wingspan of the airplane spanned several meters."
"Her influence spanned generations."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English spannen, from Old English spannan ('to stretch, extend'). Related to the word 'span', originally referring to the distance between the outstretched fingers of a hand.
The word has been used since the 13th century to describe the physical action of stretching or reaching over a distance.
Memory tip
Think of a bridge *spanning* a river. It reaches from one side to the other.
Word Origin
"to stretch, extend"