sweeping
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.affecting many things or people at once, often in a way that is too general.
adj.extensive in scope or range; often used to describe changes, reforms, or statements that apply to a wide variety of cases.
Simple“The new manager made sweeping changes to the way the office operates.”
In context“The government introduced sweeping reforms to the healthcare system, affecting everything from local clinics to major research hospitals.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.moving in a long, smooth curve.
adj.characterised by a long, continuous, and often curved motion or shape.
Simple“The house has a sweeping view of the valley below.”
In context“The architect designed a sweeping staircase that serves as the central focal point of the building's grand entrance.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.the act of cleaning a floor using a broom.
n.the action or process of cleaning a surface by brushing away dirt or debris.
Simple“The morning sweeping of the shop floor took about ten minutes.”
In context“Regular sweeping of the warehouse floor is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous industrial dust.”
Usage sweeping new · sweeping tariffs
“Liverpool begin life after Mohamed Salah and with a new manager in Andoni Iraola when they travel to Newcastle, whose summer has been defined by sweeping change.”
“They took her away on a trolley.” ‘It feels as if someone is sweeping a knife around inside you,’ said one patient.”
By surface analysis, sweep + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.