Widen

Definition

To "widen" means to make or become broader or more extensive.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪdən/
• Respelling: WY-den

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪdən/
• Respelling: WY-den

In both American and British English, "widen" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. It features a long "y" sound as in "my" in the first syllable, followed by a short "e" sound as in "den" in the second syllable. The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English.

Etymology

"Widen" is derived from the Old English word "wīd", meaning "wide", combined with the suffix "-en", which is used to form verbs indicating a change or transformation in a particular direction.

Derivatives

• Widening
• Widener
• Wide
• Width
• Wider

Synonyms

• Broaden
• Expand
• Enlarge

Antonyms

• Narrow
• Constrict
• Shrink

Usage

"Widen" is commonly used to describe the process or action of increasing the breadth or extent of something, either physically or metaphorically.

Related Terms

• Expansion
• Broadness
• Extensiveness
• Stretch
• Elongate

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To make something broader or more extensive in terms of physical dimensions.‍
• Example: They decided to widen the road to accommodate more traffic.

• To grow or cause to grow in breadth or extent.‍
• Example: His smile widened upon hearing the good news.

• To extend the range or scope of something, often in a figurative sense.‍
• Example: The investigation was widened to include other suspects.