noun
Common
spreading
SPREH-dihng
Spreading (noun) means the act of something becoming more widely distributed or known. Example: “The spreading of the rumour across the village took less than a day.”
noun
1
The act of something becoming more widely distributed or known.
"The spreading of the rumour across the village took less than a day."
"Quick spreading of the news online surprised the small team."
"The spreading of the disease alarmed local authorities."
How to use spreading
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of something extending, scattering, or becoming known more widely.
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Word forms
- Plural
- spreadings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the rumour across the village took less than a day.
Etymology
By surface analysis, formed from spread and -ing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for spreading
See all rhymes for spreading →Frequently asked questions
What does “spreading” mean?
The word “spreading” means the act of something becoming more widely distributed or known. In plain terms, the process of something extending, scattering, or becoming known more widely.
How do you pronounce “spreading”?
“Spreading” is pronounced SPREH-dihng (/ˈspɹɛdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spreading” in a sentence?
Here is “spreading” used in a sentence: “The spreading of the disease alarmed local authorities.”
What part of speech is “spreading”?
“Spreading” is a noun.
Is “spreading” a common word?
“Spreading” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "spreading" and "spread"?
"Spreading" is the ongoing act of something becoming more widely distributed or known, emphasising the process in motion. "Spread" can name the finished extent or act, so "the spreading of the news" stresses it happening while "the spread of the news" can point to the result.
What words commonly go with "spreading"?
"Spreading" often pairs with words like rumour, disease, fire, and awareness, as in "the spreading of misinformation." It describes something moving outward to reach more places or people.
Is "spreading" always about physical movement?
No, "spreading" covers both physical and abstract distribution. It can describe fire moving across land or ideas, news, and influence becoming more widely known.
