width
B1Neutral (used across formal, academic, technical, and everyday contexts)
Definition
Meaning
The measurement or extent of something from side to side; the distance across.
In a broader context, it can refer to the range, scope, or variety of something (e.g., the width of experience, the width of choices). It also appears in specific technical fields like textiles (width of fabric) or computing (data width).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is dimensional. The metaphorical extension to 'range or scope' is less frequent but well-established. It is part of the common 'height, width, depth' dimensional triad.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Minor potential variation in technical jargon (e.g., 'fabric width' vs. 'width of cloth' may show slight regional preference).
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[width] of [object] (the width of the river)[adjective] [width] (a narrow width)[verb] a [width] of [measurement] (span a width of ten metres)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The length and breadth (and width) of (a place)”
- “By a hair's width”
- “To the width of (something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describing product dimensions, packaging specifications, or market coverage (e.g., 'the width of our product range').
Academic
In mathematics, geometry, physics, and engineering for precise spatial measurements.
Everyday
Discussing furniture, rooms, clothing, vehicles, or any object's size (e.g., 'What's the width of your sofa?').
Technical
Specific terms like 'bandwidth', 'pulse width', 'beam width' in engineering, computing, and physics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The carpenter will width the timber to the exact specification.
American English
- The machine widths the metal sheet before forming.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The table has a width of one metre.
- My shoes are the wrong width.
- Measure the width and length of the room before buying a carpet.
- The river's width makes it difficult to swim across.
- The fabric comes in a standard width of 150 centimetres.
- The sheer width of his knowledge on the subject was impressive.
- The algorithm adjusts the pulse width to optimise energy efficiency.
- The policy was criticised for its lack of width and failure to address broader systemic issues.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'wide' thing. 'Width' is the noun form of 'wide', describing *how wide* something is. Just add '-th' to the adjective.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE SPACES / VARIETY IS WIDTH (e.g., 'a wide range of opinions', 'broaden your mind').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'высота' (height) or 'длина' (length). 'Width' is strictly 'ширина'.
- Avoid using 'wide' as a noun. Use 'width' (noun) vs. 'wide' (adj). 'The door's wide' vs. 'The door's width'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect pronunciation: /waɪdθ/ (confusing with 'wide'), correct is /wɪdθ/.
- Spelling: Adding an 'e' (e.g., 'wideness' is not standard for the measurement).
- Using 'width' as an adjective (e.g., 'a width door' is wrong; use 'wide' or 'width-wise').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'width' in the sentence: 'The width of his experience was notable.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary use is for physical measurement, it is also used metaphorically to describe range or scope (e.g., 'width of experience').
It can be tricky. In both British and American English, it's commonly /wɪdθ/ (with a clear 'd' sound). In some American accents, it assimilates to /wɪtθ/ (sounding like 'wit-th'). Avoid saying /waɪdθ/.
They are often synonyms for physical measurement. 'Breadth' can sound slightly more formal or literary. 'Breadth' is more commonly used for non-physical range (e.g., 'breadth of knowledge'), though 'width' can be used this way too.
Rarely and only in very specific technical or manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'to width a piece of metal'). In 99.9% of cases, it is a noun. Do not use it as a verb in general English.