ENGLISH
REFERENCE

breadth

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɹɛdθ// UK //bɹˈɛdθ// breadth

n. the distance from one side of something to the other. It describes how wide something is, like the breadth of a river or a table.

n. the extent of something from side to side; width. Often used metaphorically to describe the range or scope of knowledge, experience, or interest.


SIMPLE

The breadth of the river is about ten meters.

CONTEXTUAL

The breadth of his knowledge in history impressed the entire panel.

COMPLEX

The exhibition showcased the breadth of the artist's career, spanning early sketches to his final, large-scale installations.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English bredthe, alteration (due to nouns ending in -th: length, strength, wrength, etc.) of brede ("breadth"; see bread). Equivalent to broad + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Cognate with Scots bredth (“breadth”), Saterland Frisian Bratte (“breadth”), West Frisian breedte (“breadth”), Dutch breedte (“breadth”), German Low German Breddte, Breddt (“breadth”), German Breite (“breadth”), Danish bredde (“breadth”), Norwegian Bokmål bredde (“breadth”), Swedish bredd (“breadth”).

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference