Adjective / Adverb A2–C1 /waɪd/

Wide — Definition, Examples & Usage

Having a great distance from side to side — or open to its fullest extent.

Quick Definition

Wide (adjective) means having a great distance from one side to the other; not narrow. Wide (adverb) means to the fullest extent or degree, especially in fixed phrases such as wide open and wide awake. It is also used figuratively to describe a large range or variety.

Etymology

Wide comes from Old English wīd, meaning "spacious, extensive", which is related to Old Norse víðr and Gothic weids. The Germanic root is connected to a Proto-Indo-European base meaning "to separate" or "to go apart". The word has been in continuous use since Old English and has changed remarkably little in form or core meaning over more than a thousand years.

The adverb widely developed later as a regular formation. The noun width (replacing older wideness) became established in the 17th century and is now the standard form for the measurement sense.

What Does Wide Mean?

Wide is one of the most common adjectives in English, used across a broad range of everyday and formal contexts. Its core meaning is physical: a road, river, corridor, or gap that has a large measurement from one edge to the other. A road that is difficult for two lorries to pass each other on is narrow; a motorway with four lanes is wide.

Beyond physical dimensions, wide describes range, scope, or variety: a wide range of choices, a wide variety of opinions, a wide audience. In these uses it often acts as a near-synonym of broad, though wide tends to sound slightly less formal.

As an adverb, wide mainly appears in fixed phrases. Wide open means fully open, with nothing hidden or restricted. Wide awake means completely alert, not the least bit sleepy. Far and wide means over a very large area. Do not use wide as a free adverb before past participles — use widely instead: say widely known, not wide known.

Example Sentences

Sentence Level Usage note
The main road is very wide at this point. A2 adjective — physical dimension
She opened her eyes wide when she heard the news. B1 adverb — to the fullest extent
The school offers a wide range of after-school activities. B1 adjective — large variety or scope
The gates were left wide open overnight, which was a security risk. B2 fixed adverb phrase: wide open
His prediction turned out to be wide of the mark — costs were nearly double the estimate. C1 fixed expression: wide of the mark = inaccurate

Collocations

Collocation Example
wide range The shop stocks a wide range of spare parts.
wide variety Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
wide open Leave the window wide open to let some air in.
wide awake I was wide awake at 3 a.m. worrying about the presentation.
wide smile He greeted us with a wide smile and a firm handshake.
far and wide The news spread far and wide within hours.
wide angle The photographer used a wide-angle lens to capture the whole scene.
wide berth Everyone gave the angry dog a wide berth.
wide of the mark The early estimates were wide of the mark.
wide-ranging The report covers a wide-ranging set of policy recommendations.

Usage Notes

Wide vs. Widely

Wide is used as an adverb only in fixed phrases: wide open, wide awake, spread wide, far and wide.

Widely is used before adjectives and past participles: widely available, widely used, widely known, widely accepted. Never say wide available or wide used.

Wide vs. Broad

Both words can describe large horizontal dimensions, but broad is often preferred in formal or figurative contexts: a broad spectrum, broad agreement, in broad daylight. Wide is more common in everyday speech and for precise measurements: two metres wide. You can say either a wide/broad river, but only wide open (not broad open).

Compound adjectives with -wide

-wide is productive as a suffix meaning "extending throughout": nationwide, worldwide, citywide, industry-wide, Europe-wide. When the suffix is added to a proper noun or a two-part compound, it is usually hyphenated: company-wide policy.

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

This product is wide available in supermarkets.

This product is widely available in supermarkets. (use widely before adjectives)

The door was broad open when we arrived.

The door was wide open when we arrived. (wide open is the fixed phrase)

The road is two metres board.

The road is two metres wide. (use wide after a measurement, not broad)

Related Words

wider widest widely widen width wideness wide-ranging nationwide worldwide broad narrow

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “wide”

What does wide mean in English?
Wide means having a large measurement from one side to the other, or fully open. As an adjective: 'a wide road'. As an adverb it intensifies openness or alertness: 'wide open', 'wide awake'. It also describes a broad range: 'a wide variety of options'.
What is the difference between wide and broad?
Both wide and broad describe large horizontal dimensions, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Wide is more common for physical measurements and fixed expressions ('wide road', 'wide open'). Broad often carries a more formal or figurative tone ('broad shoulders', 'a broad range of skills', 'in broad daylight'). In many cases they are interchangeable.
Is wide an adjective or an adverb?
Wide is both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective it modifies nouns: 'a wide street'. As an adverb it modifies verbs or adjectives, usually in fixed phrases: 'wide open', 'wide awake', 'spread wide'. The adverb widely is used in other contexts: 'widely used', 'widely known'.
What is the difference between wide and widely?
Wide is used as an adverb mainly in fixed phrases such as 'wide open', 'wide awake', and 'far and wide'. Widely is the regular adverb form used before adjectives and past participles: 'widely available', 'widely reported', 'widely accepted'. Do not say 'wide available' — use 'widely available'.
What are common collocations with wide?
Common collocations with wide include: wide open, wide awake, wide range, wide variety, wide smile, wide screen, wide angle, wide berth, far and wide, and industry-wide. Many compound adjectives also use wide as a suffix: nationwide, worldwide, citywide.
What is the comparative and superlative of wide?
The comparative form is wider and the superlative is widest. Examples: 'This road is wider than the last one.' 'This is the widest street in the city.' These regular forms follow the standard pattern for one-syllable adjectives.
What does wide of the mark mean?
'Wide of the mark' is a fixed expression meaning inaccurate or far from the truth. It comes from shooting or archery, where a shot that misses by a large distance is said to be wide of the mark. Example: 'His estimate was wide of the mark — the actual cost was twice as high.'
How do you use wide in academic or formal writing?
In formal writing, prefer widely as the adverb: 'This approach is widely regarded as effective.' Use wide as an adjective before nouns: 'a wide range of methodologies', 'a wide variety of outcomes'. The phrase 'wide-ranging' is common in academic texts to describe something that covers many topics.
What is the noun form of wide?
The main noun form is width (the measurement from side to side). Breadth is a more formal synonym. The verb form is widen: 'They plan to widen the road.' The adverb is widely. Wide itself is occasionally used as a noun in cricket to describe a ball bowled too far from the batsman.
How can I practise using wide in English?
Try LexFizz's Flash Cards to test wide alongside related vocabulary such as wide, wider, widest, widely, and widen. The Complete the Sentence exercise also helps you practise common collocations like 'wide range' and 'wide open' in realistic contexts.