wide
Describes something that has a large distance from one side to the other. It is used to talk about the breadth of physical objects like roads, doors, or rivers.
Examples
3 of 5The road is very wide, so it is easy to drive on.
The road is very wide, so it is easy to drive on.
The committee considered a wide range of options for the new project.
The committee considered a wide range of options for the new project.
Wow, your new TV is really wide!
Wow, your new TV is really wide!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Stretch your arms out to the sides as far as you can and say 'wide'. The letter 'W' looks like a wide valley.
Quick Quiz
The river is too ___ to swim across safely.
Correct!
The correct answer is: wide
Examples
The road is very wide, so it is easy to drive on.
everydayThe road is very wide, so it is easy to drive on.
The committee considered a wide range of options for the new project.
formalThe committee considered a wide range of options for the new project.
Wow, your new TV is really wide!
informalWow, your new TV is really wide!
Research shows a wide variety of species living in this forest.
academicResearch shows a wide variety of species living in this forest.
The company has a wide network of suppliers across the country.
businessThe company has a wide network of suppliers across the country.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
wide awake
completely awake and alert
far and wide
over a large area or everywhere
wide open
fully open or not restricted
Often Confused With
Wide is used for physical distance side-to-side; broad is often used for shoulders or abstract concepts like 'broad daylight'.
Long refers to length or vertical distance, while wide refers to horizontal distance from side to side.
Usage Notes
Use 'wide' to describe the horizontal size of an object. It can also describe a large variety of non-physical things, like 'a wide choice'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'big' when they specifically mean 'wide' for things like corridors or streets. 'Wide' is more specific than 'big'.
Memory Tip
Stretch your arms out to the sides as far as you can and say 'wide'. The letter 'W' looks like a wide valley.
Word Origin
From Old English 'wīd', which has roots in Germanic languages meaning spacious or far-reaching.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
A 'wide smile' is a common expression in English-speaking cultures to describe someone who looks very friendly or happy.
Quick Quiz
The river is too ___ to swim across safely.
Correct!
The correct answer is: wide
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Descriptions words
huge
A1Something that is huge is extremely large in size, amount, or degree. It is a more powerful word than 'big' used to emphasize that something is much larger than normal.
giant
A1A giant is an imaginary creature that looks like a human but is much bigger and stronger. It is also used to describe a real person or thing that is very large or successful.
massive
A1Something that is massive is very, very large and heavy. It can also describe something that is much bigger or more powerful than usual.
short
A1Describes something that measures a small distance from one end to the other or is not tall in height. It is also used to describe a brief period of time or a limited amount of something.
narrow
A1Narrow describes something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. It is the opposite of wide and is often used to describe roads, paths, or spaces.
excellent
A1Something that is extremely good or of very high quality. It is used to praise someone's work, a specific object, or a positive experience.
wonderful
A1Something that is very good, pleasant, or makes you feel great admiration. It is used to describe things or experiences that are extremely enjoyable and high in quality.
nice
A1A word used to describe something that is pleasant, enjoyable, or attractive. It also describes a person who is kind, friendly, and polite to others.
ugly
A1Something that is unpleasant to look at and lacks beauty or attractiveness. It can also describe a situation, behavior, or sound that is very unpleasant, mean, or dangerous.
pretty
A1A person or object that is considered attractive or pleasing to look at. While mostly used as an adjective, as a noun it refers to decorative items or a charming person.
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