fingerbreadth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, historical, technical (medical/architectural)
Quick answer
What does “fingerbreadth” mean?
An informal unit of linear measurement roughly equal to the width of a human finger.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal unit of linear measurement roughly equal to the width of a human finger.
Used to describe a small, approximate width or gap; sometimes used metaphorically to indicate a narrow margin or a small degree.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The hyphenated form is slightly more common in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties perceive it as an archaic, rough, or folksy measurement.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, though slightly more attestation in historical British texts.
Grammar
How to Use “fingerbreadth” in a Sentence
[measurement] of [a] fingerbreadth[verb: be/measure/leave] [a] fingerbreadth [prepositional phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, found only in historical or anthropological texts discussing non-standard units.
Everyday
Very rare; used humorously or for rough, informal estimation (e.g., in crafting or DIY).
Technical
Archaic use in medicine (e.g., 'the liver was enlarged by two fingerbreadths') and some historical architecture/engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fingerbreadth”
- Spelling as three words ('finger breath') or mispronouncing the 'dth' cluster.
- Using it as a precise, official unit.
- Confusing it with 'fingertip'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, non-standard, and imprecise unit based on the approximate width of a human finger.
There is no fixed conversion, as finger widths vary. It is typically considered to be roughly 1.8 to 2.5 cm (about 3/4 of an inch).
Generally, no. It is considered informal, archaic, or technical-historical. Standard units (cm, inches) should be used in formal contexts.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Fingerbreadth' is the hyphenated or closed compound form, while 'finger's breadth' is the phrasal form. Usage is equally rare for both.
An informal unit of linear measurement roughly equal to the width of a human finger.
Fingerbreadth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪŋɡəbrɛdθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪŋɡərbrɛdθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to win by a fingerbreadth”
- “not a fingerbreadth of space”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the breadth (width) of your finger. It's a 'finger's breadth' combined into one word.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY AS A MEASURING TOOL (e.g., foot, handspan, cubit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'fingerbreadth' be MOST appropriately used?