wide
wyd
Wide (adj) means measuring a lot from side to side. Example: “We needed a wide table to fit all twelve guests.”
adj
1
Measuring a lot from side to side.
"We needed a wide table to fit all twelve guests."
"The river is very wide at this point."
"They live on a wide, tree-lined street."
2
Covering a large range or scope.
"The shop sells a wide range of cheeses from many countries."
"The course gives a wide overview of European history."
"She has wide experience in several industries."
adv
1
So as to leave a large gap or opening.
"The baby opened her mouth wide when the spoon came near."
"Open the door wide so we can carry the sofa through."
"He threw the window wide open."
How to use wide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something with a large side-to-side measurement, or a large range or scope.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wide range
wide open
wide margin
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Word forms
- Plural
- wides
- Comparative
- wider, more wide
- Superlative
- widest, most wide
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We needed a _____ table to fit all twelve guests.
Etymology
From Old English wīd ("wide, vast, distant"), from an ancient root meaning "to separate" — the same root that gives us the word divide.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for wide
See all rhymes for wide →Frequently asked questions
What does “wide” mean?
The word “wide” means measuring a lot from side to side. In plain terms, describes something with a large side-to-side measurement, or a large range or scope.
How do you pronounce “wide”?
“Wide” is pronounced wyd (/waɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “wide” in a sentence?
Here is “wide” used in a sentence: “The river is very wide at this point.”
What is another word for “wide”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wide” include broad and thick.
What is the opposite of “wide”?
The opposite of “wide” — its antonyms — are narrow, thin, skinny, long and scrawny.
What part of speech is “wide”?
Depending on how it is used, “wide” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “wide” come from?
The word “wide” comes from Old English. From Old English wīd ("wide, vast, distant"), from an ancient root meaning "to separate" — the same root that gives us the word divide.
Is “wide” a common word?
“Wide” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between wide and width?
Wide is an adjective describing how much something measures from side to side — a wide road. Width is the noun for that measurement itself — the width of the road. You use wide to describe the thing and width to name the distance: how wide is it asks about its width.
What is the difference between wide and broad?
They overlap heavily and often swap freely — a wide river or a broad river. Wide stresses the actual side-to-side distance and any gap between edges — a wide gap. Broad leans toward flat, open expanse and figurative use — broad shoulders, broad agreement. Both mean far across.
What is the opposite of wide?
The main opposite is narrow, meaning little distance from side to side, like a narrow lane. Depending on context, thin, tight, or slim also contrast with wide. When wide describes something fully open, such as wide eyes or a wide door, its opposite is closed or shut.
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