n.
Pronunciation: ' w ī d
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: wider ; wid · est
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English w ī d; akin to Old High German w ī t wide
Date: before 12th century
1 a : having great extent : VAST <a wide area> b : extending over a vast area : EXTENSIVE <a wide reputation> c : extending throughout a specified area or scope ― usually used in combination <nation wide > <industry- wide > d : COMPREHENSIVE , INCLUSIVE <a wide assortment>
2 a : having a specified extension from side to side <3 feet wide > b : having much extent between the sides : BROAD <a wide doorway> c : fully opened < wide -eyed> d : LAX 4
3 a : extending or fluctuating considerably between limits <a wide variation> b : straying or deviating from something specified ― used with of <the accusation was wide of the truth>
4 of an animal ration : relatively rich in carbohydrate as compared with protein
synonyms see BROAD
– wide · ness noun