I. ˈwīd adjective
( wider ; wid·est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wīd; akin to Old High German wīt 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
II. adverb
( wid·er ; wid·est )
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : over a great distance or extent : widely
searched far and wide
b. : over a specified distance, area, or extent — usually used in combination
expanded the business country- wide
2.
a. : so as to leave much space or distance between
placed wide apart
b. : so as to pass at or clear by a considerable distance
ran wide around left end
3. : to the fullest extent : completely , fully
wide open