What is wide? Pronunciation and usage in English

wide means . Learn how to pronounce and use wide through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of wide

wideadjective

/wʌɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of wide

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wide" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and both are perfectly acceptable!

1. The most common pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds like: /ˈwaɪd/ (pronounced like "why-d")
    • "Why" - like the word "why"
    • "D" - a short, light 'd' sound

2. The pronunciation used in British English:

  • Sounds like: /waɪd/ (pronounced like "wide")
    • Essentially, the 'd' sound is dropped. It's more of a vowel sound combined with a 'w'.

Here's a breakdown to help you:

  • Focus on the "i" sound: Both pronunciations start with the "i" sound as in "bit."
  • The 'd' sound: This is the key difference. In American English, you clearly pronounce the "d." In British English, you often just let it fade away.

Resources to hear the difference:

  • For American Pronunciation: https://youglish.com/w/wide - Type "wide" in the search bar, and it will show you how native speakers pronounce it in real-world contexts (YouTube videos, etc.).
  • For British Pronunciation: https://youglish.com/w/wide - Again, this resource is excellent.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.) - This will help me recommend the most relevant pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word wide in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wide" in English. It's a very versatile word with multiple meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Physical Width (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Referring to the distance from one side to the other.
  • Examples:
    • “The road is wide enough for two cars to pass.” (Describing the dimension of the road)
    • “The river is very wide.” (Describing the river's breadth)
    • “This building is wide and long.” (Describing the building's dimensions)
    • "He has wide shoulders." (Describing a person’s physical build)

2. Scope/Range (Expanding Outward)

  • Meaning: Extending over a large area or range; encompassing a great variety.
  • Examples:
    • “She has a wide circle of friends.” (Referring to many friends)
    • “The museum has a wide collection of art.” (Referring to diverse artwork)
    • "The campaign promised a wide range of reforms." (Referring to many changes)
    • "He has a wide interest in history." (Meaning he’s interested in many periods and topics within history)

3. Attitude/Opinion (Broad and Inclusive)

  • Meaning: Open-minded; not narrow or prejudiced.
  • Examples:
    • “He has a wide perspective on the problem.” (He considers many angles)
    • “It's important to have a wide view of the world.” (To be open to different cultures and ideas)
    • “She’s a wide-minded person.” (Similar to ‘open-minded’)

4. Using "Widely" as an Adverb

  • Meaning: Commonly; extensively; throughout. It modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb.
  • Examples:
    • “The news spread widely.” (Spread commonly)
    • “The book is widely read.” (Read by many people)
    • “He is widely regarded as a talented musician.” (Considered talented by many)
    • "The drug was widely used." (Used extensively)

5. "Wide-eyed" (Figurative)

  • Meaning: Expressing astonishment or wonder.
  • Examples:
    • "She stared wide-eyed at the fireworks." (Astonished and amazed)
    • "He looked wide-eyed at the beautiful scenery." (Full of wonder)

6. "Wide-ranging" (Describing something extensive)

  • Meaning: Covering a large area, scope, or subject.
  • Examples:
    • "The investigation was wide-ranging." (Covering many aspects)
    • “The book is a wide-ranging exploration of the topic.” (Explores many angles of the topic)

7. Figurative - Broad (Less Common)

  • Meaning: Large, extensive, often in a metaphorical sense. (This usage is less common than the others.)
    • "He has a wide reputation." (Meaning he is well-known, perhaps for good or bad reasons)

Tips for Using "Wide" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "wide" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Antonyms: Consider the opposite of “wide” – narrow, small, limited. This can help you understand the intended meaning.
  • Combine with other words: "Wide mouth," "wide river," “wide smile" - using “wide” with other descriptive words often clarifies its meaning.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write about? (e.g., describing a place, a person, an idea, a situation)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're struggling to use "wide"?

Synonyms for the word wide

Idioms of the word wide

give somebody/something a wide berth
to not go too near somebody/something; to avoid somebody/something
  • He gave the dog a wide berth.
wide of the mark
not accurate
  • Their predictions turned out to be wide of the mark.

Practice with vocabulary wide

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new regulations received _______ acceptance across all industry sectors.
  2. Her _______ knowledge of historical events made her an invaluable asset to the research team.
  3. The proposed bridge will span a particularly _______ river, requiring complex engineering solutions.
  4. The CEO delivered a _______ speech, covering all aspects of the company's future strategy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Select all that apply)

  1. Which adjectives can describe a significant difference between two concepts or a large physical opening? a) wide b) shallow c) narrow d) vast

  2. To ensure maximum audience engagement, the speaker covered a _______ range of topics relevant to contemporary business practices. a) wide b) limited c) broad d) restricted

  3. Which word best describes a thorough and detailed investigation into a complex matter? a) superficial b) extensive c) wide d) cursory

  4. The project manager allocated _______ resources to the team, ensuring they had everything needed to meet the deadline. a) scarce b) ample c) limited d) sufficient

  5. For accessibility, the main entrance to the new building needs to be _______ enough to accommodate wheelchairs and service vehicles. a) shallow b) narrow c) wide d) deep

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's software is available in many different countries around the world. (Rewrite using "wide" or a related word form)
  2. There was a significant gap in understanding between the two negotiating parties. (Rewrite using "wide")
  3. His understanding of the complex economic theory was very thorough. (Rewrite without using "wide" or "thorough")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. wide
  2. extensive
  3. wide
  4. comprehensive

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) wide, d) vast
  2. a) wide, c) broad
  3. b) extensive
  4. b) ample, d) sufficient
  5. c) wide

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's software is widely available in many different countries around the world. (Alternatively: The company's software has wide availability in many different countries around the world.)
  2. There was a wide gap in understanding between the two negotiating parties.
  3. His understanding of the complex economic theory was very profound. (Alternatively: His understanding of the complex economic theory was very comprehensive.)

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