What does "wider" mean?

1. (greater distance across) having a larger distance from one side to the other than something else. 2. (more general or inclusive) including more people, things, or ideas; more general.

How do you use "wider"?

Followed by 'than' when making a direct comparison between two nouns. Often used with nouns like 'context', 'community', 'implications', or 'audience'.

wider

adj.

US //ˈwaɪdɝ// UK //wˈaɪdɐ// wider

1 greater distance across (adj.)
A2 Elementary

having a larger distance from one side to the other than something else.

denoting a greater horizontal measurement or physical breadth relative to another object.

Example

The new sofa is wider than the old one, so it might not fit through the door.

Example

The city council decided to build a wider bridge to accommodate the increasing volume of commuter traffic from the suburbs.

Usage

Followed by 'than' when making a direct comparison between two nouns.
- broader
- narrower
2 more general or inclusive (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

including more people, things, or ideas; more general.

referring to a more extensive range, scope, or variety within a social or conceptual context.

Example

We need to consider the wider community when we make these changes.

Example

The research aims to place these specific findings within the wider context of global climate patterns.

Usage

Often used with nouns like 'context', 'community', 'implications', or 'audience'.
- broader
- more extensive
- limited
- narrower

Origin

From Middle English widder, widdur, widere, from Old English widdra; equivalent to wide + -er.