Wider
/ˈwaɪdər/
Definitions
2 meaningsComparative form of 'wide'; greater in breadth or extent.
/ˈwaɪdər/
Having a greater distance from side to side
The gap between the trees is wider than I thought.
💡 Simply: Imagine two hallways. One is narrow and cramped. The other is *wider* and you have lots of space to walk through. It's like having more room from side to side.
👶 For kids: When something is *wider*, it means it's like a big hug instead of a small hug.
More Examples
She needed a wider dress to fit comfortably.
The search area was made wider to include more possible locations.
How It's Used
"The river is wider here than at the bridge."
"The new road is wider than the old one."
To a greater degree; more widely.
/ˈwaɪdər/
To a greater extent
The market opened up wider to include new products.
💡 Simply: If you stretch your arms, *wider* means you're stretching them even further out than you did before. It's like doing an even bigger action!
👶 For kids: Imagine you are opening your arms for a hug. *Wider* means you open them even more.
More Examples
He considered the matter wider than before.
The window opened wider and more light came in.
How It's Used
"He opened his arms wider."
"The investigation's scope was expanded wider than the initial focus."
From Old English *wīdra*, comparative of *wīd* ('wide').
Used since Old English, with similar meanings to the present day.
Memory tip
Think of a road that stretches *wider* than another.
Word Origin
"comparative of *wīd* ('wide')"