Wide
/waɪd/
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving a large measurement or extent from side to side.
/waɪd/
Having a great distance or extent from side to side; broad.
The road is wide enough for two cars.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking at a big, open field. It's 'wide' because there's a lot of space from one side to the other. Think of a wide smile - it shows a lot of teeth!
👶 For kids: Something is wide if it's big from side to side!
More Examples
She opened her arms wide to embrace her friend.
The view from the mountaintop was wide and expansive.
How It's Used
"The river was very wide."
"The building had wide hallways."
"The desert stretches wide."
Including or affecting a large number or range of things or people.
/waɪd/
Including or involving a large number of things or people; extensive.
They have a wide selection of books.
💡 Simply: Think of having a 'wide' variety of toys. That means you have lots of different kinds, like cars, dolls, and building blocks!
👶 For kids: If you have lots of something, like toys or friends, then you have a wide collection!
More Examples
The news covered the event widely.
The charity has a wide reach across the community.
How It's Used
"The company has a wide audience."
"They have a wide variety of choices."
So as to miss a target or intended course; to a considerable or full extent.
/waɪd/
To the fullest extent; completely.
The arrow shot wide of the mark.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are trying to throw a ball into a basket, but it goes 'wide'. It means it went past or to the side instead of going in.
👶 For kids: It's like when you try to throw something at something, but you miss and it goes far to the side!
More Examples
He opened his eyes wide in surprise.
The door swung wide open.
How It's Used
"The ball went wide of the goalpost."
"The arrow missed the target wide."
Synonyms
Broad
Extensive
Spacious
Vast
Comprehensive
Varied
Completely
Fully
Totally
Idioms & expressions
wide awake
Fully conscious; not sleeping.
"I was wide awake all night because of the noise."
wide of the mark
Incorrect; wrong; irrelevant.
"The politician's prediction was wide of the mark."
From Old English *wīde*, from Proto-Germanic *wīþaz*. Related to words meaning 'broad' or 'extended' across various Germanic languages.
The word 'wide' has been used in English since the Old English period and has maintained its core meaning throughout history.