First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wide
adjective \ˈwīd\
: extending a great distance from one side to the other : not narrow
: measured from side to side : having a specified width
: opened as far as possible
widerwid·est
Full Definition of WIDE
1
a : having great extent : vast <a wide area> b : extending over a vast area : extensive <a wide reputation> c : extending throughout a specified area or scope —usually used in combination <nationwide> <industry-wide> d : comprehensive, inclusive <a wide assortment>
2
3
a : extending or fluctuating considerably between limits <a wide variation> b : straying or deviating from something specified —used with of <the accusation was wide of the truth>
4
of an animal ration : relatively rich in carbohydrate as compared with protein
— wide·ness noun
See wide defined for English-language learners
See wide defined for kids
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Origin of WIDE
Middle English, from Old English wīd; akin to Old High German wīt wide
Related to WIDE
Synonym Discussion of WIDE
broad, wide, deep mean having horizontal extent. broad and wide apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side <a broad avenue>. wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned <rugs eight feet wide> or applied to unfilled space between limits <a wide doorway>. broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered <broad shoulders>. deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point <a deep cupboard> <deep woods>.
2wide
adverb
: at a great distance
: to the side of something by a large distance
: to the fullest extent : as fully as possible
wid·erwid·est
Full Definition of WIDE
1
a : over a great distance or extent : widely <searched far and wide> b : over a specified distance, area, or extent —usually used in combination <expanded the business country-wide>
2
a : so as to leave much space or distance between <placed wide apart> b : so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance <ran wide around left end>
3
: to the fullest extent : completely, fully <wide open>
See wide defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WIDE
before 12th century
WIDE Defined for Kids
1wide
adjective \ˈwīd\
wid·erwid·est
Definition of WIDE for Kids
1
: having a large measure across : broad <a wide street> <a wide grin>
2
: opened as far as possible <Her eyes were wide with wonder.>
3
: covering a very large area <a wide expanse of ocean>
4
: measured across or at right angles to length <The cloth is three feet wide.>
5
: not limited : having a large extent <There's a wide range of choices.>
6
: to the side of : away from <The shot was wide of the goal.>
— wide·ly adverb <a widely held belief>
— wide·ness noun
2wide
adverb
wid·erwid·est
Definition of WIDE for Kids
1
: over a wide area <He's traveled far and wide.>
2
: to the limit : completely <The door was wide open.>
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