breadth

[ bredth, bretth, breth ]

noun

1. the measure of the second largest dimension of a plane or solid figure; width.
2. an extent or piece of something of definite or full width or as measured by its width:

   a breadth of cloth.

3. freedom from narrowness or restraint; liberality:

   a person with great breadth of view.

   Synonyms: open-mindedness, impartiality, latitude

4. size in general; extent.

   Synonyms: compass, reach, range, scope, span

5. Art. a broad or general effect due to subordination of details or nonessentials.

breadth

/ brɛtθ; brɛdθ /

noun

1. the linear extent or measurement of something from side to side; width
2. a piece of fabric having a standard or definite width
3. distance, extent, size, or dimension
4. openness and lack of restriction, esp of viewpoint or interest; liberality

Other Words From

• breadthless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of breadth¹

1515–25; earlier bredeth, equivalent to brede breadth ( Middle English; Old English brǣdu, equivalent to brǣd-, mutated variant of brād broad + -u noun suffix) + -th ¹( def ) akin to German Breite, Gothic braidei

Word History and Origins

Origin of breadth¹

C16: from obsolete brēde (from Old English brǣdu , from brād broad ) + -th ¹; related to Gothic braidei , Old High German breitī

Example Sentences

The overnight Russian strike unfolded over several hours with waves of drones and missiles flying across the length and breadth of Ukraine - the second attack of its kind this month.

From BBC

An indication of the breadth of the proposal is a list of other county agencies that have assumed responsibility for homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times

Given the breadth of his investments, it would be difficult for Oz to recuse himself from matters affecting his assets, if he still holds them.

From Los Angeles Times

Didi enables the actor to explore her dramatic breadth within a comedy that is decidedly and intentionally funny.

From Salon

She said: “If you look at the breadth of the abuse, this didn’t just happen in Harrods. I’m already hearing from survivors who are saying this happened in other areas.”

From BBC

Related Words

• comprehensiveness
• dimension
• fullness
• magnitude
• range
• scale
• scope
• size