Widen
'waɪdən
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make or become greater in width or extent.
'waɪdən
To make or become wider.
The river widened as it flowed downstream.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a road. If you 'widen' it, you make it bigger and take up more space. It's like making your arms wider to give a bigger hug!
👶 For kids: To make something bigger from side to side, like a road or a smile!
More Examples
The company is planning to widen its customer base.
They decided to widen the doorway to allow for easier access.
How It's Used
"The road was widened to accommodate more traffic."
"He widened his horizons by traveling abroad."
To increase the scope or extent of something, especially knowledge or experience.
'waɪdən
She hoped to widen her circle of friends.
💡 Simply: Like when you learn something new! It's like widening the boundaries of what you know or experience. If you learn a new language, you're 'widening' your world!
👶 For kids: To make your ideas or knowledge bigger, like learning more about the world.
More Examples
The museum's new exhibit is designed to widen public awareness of the issue.
Reading novels can widen your understanding of different cultures.
How It's Used
"Reading widely can widen your vocabulary."
"Traveling helps to widen your perspective on life."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English *wid(i)en*, from Old English *wīdan* ('to make wide'), from *wīd* ('wide').
The word 'widen' has been used in English since Old English times, initially to describe increasing physical width.
Memory tip
Think of the opposite of narrowing: widening.
Word Origin
"wide"