breadth

/bredθ/ (bre, ipa) · /bredθ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbretth ˈbredth nonstandard ˈbreth/ (ame, mw)

breadth — noun

  • breadthsingular
  • breadthsplural

1. the measurement of how wide something is across its two opposite edges

1.名詞B2
釋義

the measurement of how wide something is across its two opposite edges

例句

The bridge has a <hw>breadth</hw> of eight metres at its narrowest point.

has a breadth of + measurement

Élise measured the <hw>breadth</hw> of the bookcase before buying new boxes.

measure the breadth of [object]

同義詞
  • width

    the normal everyday word for this measurement

  • span

    often emphasizes the full stretch across an opening, bridge, or wing

反義詞
  • narrowness

    the quality of having little distance from side to side

文法句型

the breadth of + noun

has a breadth of + measurement

measure the breadth of + noun

用法筆記

Breadth is more formal and descriptive than width in this sense. It is especially common for natural spaces such as rivers, valleys, and shoulders, while width is the everyday choice for ordinary objects.

常見錯誤

❌What is the breadth of your laptop screen?
✅What is the width of your laptop screen?
💡'breadth' is possible, but 'width' is the everyday word for ordinary objects.

2. the quality of reaching across many areas, ideas, or kinds of experience rather

2.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of reaching across many areas, ideas, or kinds of experience rather than staying narrow

例句

Noa's research shows the <hw>breadth</hw> of her reading across three languages.

the breadth of [knowledge/reading]

The course gained <hw>breadth</hw> when Daniel added climate, health, and trade topics.

gain breadth when new topics are added

同義詞
  • range

    the broad everyday word for how much variety is included

  • scope

    stresses boundaries and what is officially included

  • variety

    focuses on difference between items more than overall coverage

反義詞
  • narrowness

    suggests limited range or limited ways of thinking

  • limitation

    emphasizes the boundaries that keep something from being broad

文法句型

the breadth of + knowledge/experience

show breadth in + noun

gain breadth when + clause

用法筆記

This sense is usually followed by 'of' plus a noun such as knowledge, experience, or support. Breadth emphasizes variety or coverage, while depth emphasizes how detailed or deep that understanding is.

常見錯誤

❌Her essay shows many breadths of knowledge.
✅Her essay shows great breadth of knowledge.
💡this sense is uncountable when it means range or coverage.