# breadth

/ˈbɹɛdθ/ (US) · /bɹˈɛdθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breadth
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. physical width

noun · CEFR B2

the distance from one side of something to the other side.

For teachers: the physical measurement or extent of something from side to side; width.

- The boat was ten meters in length and three meters in breadth.
- The valley was impressive not just for its depth, but for the sheer breadth of the river that cut through its center.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'in breadth' to describe a measurement.

### 2. range of knowledge or skill

noun · CEFR B2

a wide range of different things, such as subjects you know about or skills you have.

For teachers: the comprehensive scope or range of something, particularly regarding intellectual or creative capacity.

- The job requires a great breadth of experience in many different fields.
- The candidate impressed the board with the breadth of her historical knowledge, which spanned from ancient civilizations to modern political theory.

Usage: Commonly collocated with 'of' (e.g., breadth of experience, breadth of knowledge).

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'depth'; explain that breadth refers to how many different things are covered, while depth refers to how much detail is involved.

### 3. artistic style

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a style of painting where the artist focuses on the whole picture rather than small details.

For teachers: a quality in painting where details are subordinated to the harmony and effect of the whole composition.

- The artist achieved a sense of breadth by using large, soft brushstrokes.
- Critics praised the mural for its breadth, noting how the artist avoided fussy details to maintain a powerful overall impact.

Usage: Used as an uncountable noun in art criticism.

Teaching tip: This is a specialized term; most learners will only encounter it in academic art history contexts.

### 4. fabric measurement

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a single piece of cloth that has a standard width.

For teachers: a single full width of a piece of fabric as it comes from the loom.

- You will need four breadths of fabric to make these curtains.
- The dressmaker carefully aligned the three breadths of silk to ensure the pattern remained consistent across the seams.

Usage: Countable in this sense.

Teaching tip: Mainly used in tailoring or interior design (e.g., curtains).

## Examples

- The breadth of the river is about ten meters.
- The breadth of his knowledge in history impressed the entire panel.
- The exhibition showcased the breadth of the artist's career, spanning early sketches to his final, large-scale installations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.