Cool MateSpread
UK /["/spred/","/spredz/","/ˈspredɪŋ/"]/US /["/spred/","/spredz/","/ˈspredɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to affect or make something affect, be known by, or be used by more and more people
In simple words: To open something wide or make it cover a large area.
Examples
- She decided to spread the butter evenly on her toast.
- The rumor began to spread quickly among the students.
- During the meeting, we need to spread out the agenda for discussion.
- The disease can spread from person to person, especially in crowded areas.
- You should spread your investments to reduce financial risk.
Usage notes
Use 'spread' when talking about applying something, like a sandwich spread or an idea. It's neutral and suitable for all contexts, but avoid using it too informally when discussing significant topics.
Grammar pattern
spread + object
Memory hint
Think of 'spread out like a blanket' to remember how it covers an area.
Collocations
- fast
- like wildfire
- quickly
- (all) across
- among
- around
- be thinly spread
- spread yourself too thin
- fast
- like wildfire
- quickly
- (all) across
- among
- around
- be thinly spread
- spread yourself too thin
- fast
- like wildfire
- quickly
- (all) across
- among
- around
- be thinly spread
- spread yourself too thin
- thickly
- lightly
- thinly
- on
- with
- carefully
- out
- across
- on
- over
- spread something open
- spread your arms, legs, etc. out wide
- spread your arms, legs, etc. wide
- carefully
- out
- across
- on
- over
- spread something open
- spread your arms, legs, etc. out wide
- spread your arms, legs, etc. wide
- carefully
- out
- across
- on
- over
- spread something open
- spread your arms, legs, etc. out wide
- spread your arms, legs, etc. wide
- equally
- evenly
- uniformly
- try to
- among
- between
- over
Synonyms
- extend
- distribute
- scatter
- expand
- unfold
Antonyms
- conceal
- gather
- compress
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'spred' as a past tense; the correct past is 'spread'.
- Misused with 'spreading out' when describing thoughts instead of physical spreading.
- Omitting the object; remember to include what is being spread.