Widening
/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo become or make something larger in width; to expand.
/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/
Becoming or making something larger in width or extent.
The river is widening as it approaches the sea.
💡 Simply: Imagine a river that's getting bigger and bigger. Widening is like that – it means something is spreading out and taking up more space, just like when you make your arms wider!
👶 For kids: Making something bigger and wider.
More Examples
The government is widening its focus on renewable energy.
The cracks in the wall are widening, so we need to get them fixed.
How It's Used
"They are widening the road to ease traffic congestion."
"The company is widening its market reach."
The act or process of becoming wider.
/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/
The act or process of becoming or making something wider.
The widening of the road has reduced traffic congestion.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a doorway bigger so you can fit more furniture through. The widening is the process of making that doorway wider!
👶 For kids: The action of making something bigger and wider.
More Examples
The widening of the gap between rich and poor is a serious concern.
The widening of the channel allowed for larger ships to pass.
How It's Used
"The widening of the archway required careful engineering."
"A widening of the income gap can lead to social unrest."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
widening horizons
To expand one's experiences and knowledge; to increase one's awareness and understanding.
"Traveling and meeting new people is a great way of widening your horizons."
From Middle English *wīdenen*, from Old English *wīdian* ('to make wide, enlarge'), from *wīd* ('wide').
Historically, 'widening' has been used in similar contexts as today, to describe expansion in physical space or abstract concepts.
Memory tip
Think of a road getting wider to remember 'widening'.
Word Origin
"to make wide"