C1verb 3K

Widen

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈwaɪdn/","/ˈwaɪdnz/","/ˈwaɪdnd/","/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈwaɪdn/","/ˈwaɪdnz/","/ˈwaɪdnd/","/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Widen

to become wider; to make something wider

In simple words: To make something bigger in size, especially from side to side.

Widen in a sentence

• The city plans to widen the main road to reduce traffic congestion.
• The doctor recommended exercises to widen the range of motion in her shoulder.
• Her smile seemed to widen as she heard the good news.
• The debate will widen discussions about environmental policy across the region.
• Manufacturers often widen the margins to accommodate new safety measures in products.

How to use Widen

Use 'widen' in general contexts like architecture or personal experiences (e.g., widen your perspective). Avoid in very informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

widen + object

Memory hint

Think of 'widen' as 'wider' - like a road getting bigger.

Related words

Collocations with Widen

• considerably
• dramatically
• greatly
• from
• into
• to
• considerably
• dramatically
• greatly
• from
• into
• to

Synonyms for Widen

• broaden
• expand
• increase
• stretch
• enlarge

Opposites of Widen

• narrow
• constrict

Common mistakes with Widen

• Using 'widden' instead of 'widen'.
• Confusing 'widen' with 'widened' when speaking about the past.
• Mixing up 'widen' with 'broaden'.

Frequently asked questions about Widen

What does Widen mean?

To make something bigger in size, especially from side to side.

What is the definition of Widen?

to become wider; to make something wider

How do you use Widen in a sentence?

The city plans to widen the main road to reduce traffic congestion.

Can you give another example of Widen?

The doctor recommended exercises to widen the range of motion in her shoulder.

What are synonyms for Widen?

Common alternatives include broaden, expand, increase, stretch, enlarge.

What is the opposite of Widen?

Opposite meanings include narrow, constrict.

What words go with Widen?

It commonly pairs with considerably, dramatically, greatly, from, into, to, considerably, dramatically, greatly, from, into, to.

What are common mistakes when using Widen?

Using 'widden' instead of 'widen'. Confusing 'widen' with 'widened' when speaking about the past. Mixing up 'widen' with 'broaden'.

How do you pronounce Widen?

US: /["/ˈwaɪdn/","/ˈwaɪdnz/","/ˈwaɪdnd/","/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈwaɪdn/","/ˈwaɪdnz/","/ˈwaɪdnd/","/ˈwaɪdnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Widen?

Use 'widen' in general contexts like architecture or personal experiences (e.g., widen your perspective). Avoid in very informal conversations.

What CEFR level is Widen?

"Widen" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.