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widenTo become or make something broader, larger, or more extensive in scope or size.

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: To become or make something broader, larger, or more extensive in scope or size.

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwaɪdən/

Example Sentences

  • My pants seem to widen every time I visit my grandmother's house.
  • The government plans to widen the highway to reduce traffic jams.
  • Her smile widened when she saw the surprise party.

widen

VERB

[/ˈwaɪdən/]

To become or make something broader, larger, or more extensive in scope or size.

To become or make something broader, larger, or more extensive in scope or size.
💡 Concept

To become or make something broader, larger, or more extensive in scope or size.

Widen the lens to brighten the view, but some truths may frighten you!
🎵 Rhyme

Widen the lens to brighten the view, but some truths may frighten you!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈwaɪdən/

🌳Etymology

Rootwide
Suffix--en

Origin

From Old English 'wīd' meaning 'broad' or 'extensive', combined with the verb-forming suffix '-en'. This follows the common English pattern of turning adjectives into verbs.

Breakdown

wid- (broad, extensive) + -en (verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to become')

🎵Rhyme

brightenfrightenlighten

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My pants seem to widen every time I visit my grandmother's house.

The government plans to widen the highway to reduce traffic jams.

Her smile widened when she saw the surprise party.

😄 Fun example

The plot hole in the movie widened with each sequel.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

broadenexpandenlargeextendstretch

Antonyms

narrowcontract

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