breadth

American  

[bredth, bretth, breth] / brɛdθ, brɛtθ, brɛθ /

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.

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breadth British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• breadthless adjective

Etymology

Origin of breadth

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

Example Sentences

Some legal experts also warned that the breadth of redaction may only fuel ongoing conspiracy theories.

From BBC

Lawmakers said Calvin’s testimony helped them understand the true breadth of the problem and how in those early months, vulnerable residents were preyed upon.

From Los Angeles Times

Other economists warn the underlying details of the inflation report indicate that the breadth of items climbing over 2% expanded, and that sharply higher food costs could push consumers’ own inflation expectations higher.

From The Wall Street Journal

Increased stock market breadth is vital considering the doubts around AI.

From Barron's

Increased stock market breadth is vital considering the doubts around AI.

From Barron's

Related Words

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