Breadth is a word that we use in our daily lives, but we often don’t give it much thought. It is a word that is used to describe the width or extent of something. Breadth is an important concept in many fields, including mathematics, science, and engineering. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of breadth, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Breadth can be defined as the distance from one side to the other side of something. It can also refer to the extent or range of something. In mathematical terms, breadth is the width of a rectangle or a parallelogram. In computing, breadth-first search is a search algorithm that explores all the vertices of a graph at the same level before moving on to the next level.
Origin
The word breadth comes from the Old English word “brǣdu,” which means width or extent. It is related to the Old Norse word “breiðr,” which means broad. The word has been in use since the Middle English period, and its usage has evolved over time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of breadth can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, breadth is “the measure or extent of something from side to side; width.” Merriam-Webster defines breadth as “the distance from one side to the other side of something.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines breadth as “the distance from one side to the other side of something, or the quality of including many different things.”
Associations
Breadth is often associated with width, size, and extent. It can also be associated with diversity, as in the breadth of knowledge or the breadth of experience. In some contexts, breadth can be associated with shallowness, as in the phrase “a mile wide and an inch deep.”
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for breadth, including width, span, extent, scope, and range. These words can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
Antonyms
The antonyms of breadth are narrowness and depth. These words represent the opposite of breadth, as they describe something that is limited in size or scope.
The same root words
The word breadth shares its root with several other words, including broad, broaden, and broadly. These words all relate to the concept of width or extent.
Example Sentences
- The breadth of the canyon was awe-inspiring.
- The breadth of his knowledge was impressive.
- The breadth of the project required a team effort.
- The breadth of the painting made it difficult to transport.
- The breadth of her experience made her an ideal candidate for the job.