Wide Meaning

UK /waɪd/
US /waɪd/
Word Definition
wide meaning

Wide Definition & Usage

adjective

Having a great extent from side to side; broad.

Examples

  • "The river is very wide at this point."
  • "She wore a wide-brimmed hat to protect herself from the sun."
  • "The hallway is so wide that we can set up a table in the middle."
  • "The city is known for its wide streets and tall buildings."
  • "We need a wide screen to view the entire movie."
adjective

Extending over a large area or involving many elements or people.

Examples

  • "There was a wide range of opinions on the new policy."
  • "The company has a wide network of contacts in the industry."
  • "His interests are wide, ranging from technology to classical music."
  • "The debate covered a wide array of topics."
  • "The news spread over a wide geographical area."
adverb

To a large extent or over a great distance.

Examples

  • "She smiled wide when she saw the gift."
  • "The doors opened wide to let everyone in."
  • "His eyes went wide with shock when he saw the news."
  • "The children ran wide across the field, laughing joyfully."
  • "The river spread wide as it entered the delta."

Cultural Context

The word 'wide' has been used since Old English to describe something that is broad or expansive. It is one of the most common descriptors for physical dimensions but also extends to figurative uses related to range, diversity, and extent. In the modern world, 'wide' is used frequently to describe everything from physical objects to ideas and concepts, emphasizing openness, inclusivity, or vastness.

The Wide World of Connections

Story

The Wide World of Connections

Emma was on her first business trip abroad, and as she gazed out of the airplane window, she couldn't help but marvel at the wide expanse of the ocean below. The vastness was humbling, and she thought about how far away her home seemed from this foreign land. It was her first time traveling this far for work, and everything felt so new and exciting. She was tasked with meeting a group of potential partners for the startup she worked for, and she knew that making the right connections could make or break her career. When she arrived at the conference, she was struck by how wide the audience was. People from all over the world had gathered to discuss new trends in tech, and the diversity of ideas was apparent. There was a wide range of products and innovations being presented, and Emma felt a sense of urgency to make her pitch stand out. Later that day, Emma spoke to a group of investors. The room was wide, filled with eager faces, all expecting a groundbreaking idea. As she began her presentation, her confidence grew. She knew that if she could articulate her company’s vision effectively, the response would be favorable. The room seemed to open wide as she spoke, everyone listening intently. Her words, clear and concise, echoed around the spacious room, and she was soon answering questions from people who were eager to learn more. By the end of the day, Emma realized that the 'wide' range of opportunities before her had opened up many more doors than she had expected. Not just in terms of business, but also in terms of personal growth. The wide connections she had made would undoubtedly affect her future, both professionally and personally. As she sat in the airport, waiting for her flight home, Emma thought about the wide world of possibilities that lay ahead. Her journey had only just begun, and the connections she had made during this trip would shape her career in ways she hadn’t imagined. The story demonstrated the meaning of 'wide' in different ways: the physical width of the ocean, the wide variety of people and ideas, and the wide-reaching effects of the connections Emma had made.

The Wide World of Connections