SPREAD

Definition of SPREAD

SPREAD Noun and Verb

The word spread is versatile, serving as both a noun and a verb in various contexts.

SPREAD as a verb

As a verb, spread primarily means to extend, distribute, or disseminate something over an area, surface, or period. For example, She spread the butter on the toast illustrates the action of distributing butter. Additionally, The news quickly spread across social media demonstrates the dissemination of information widely.

Distributing Over an Area: The verb spread also refers to the act of extending or covering a surface. For instance, The blanket spread over the grass describes the action of covering or extending across the ground.

Spreading Information: In the context of communication, spread involves the transmission or dissemination of news, ideas, or rumors. For example, They spread rumors about the upcoming changes in company policy highlights the distribution of information or gossip.

SPREAD as a noun

As a noun, spread refers to a wide or extended area or surface. For example, The eagle’s wingspan covered a wide spread describes the expansive reach or extent of the wings. Additionally, She prepared a cheese and fruit spread for the party refers to a selection of food items laid out for consumption.

Financial and Economic Spread: In financial contexts, spread denotes the difference between two prices, rates, or values. For instance, The spread between the buying and selling price of the stock widened refers to the difference in price over time.

In conclusion, spread serves as both a verb and a noun, encompassing actions of extending, distributing, or disseminating over an area, surface, or period. It also refers to the difference between values in financial contexts and a selection of food items. Its versatility makes it applicable in everyday communication, finance, and culinary contexts, reflecting its broad usage and importance in various domains.

Examples of SPREAD in a sentence

SPREAD as a verb in a sentence

  • To spread means to extend over an area or surface.
  • The wildfire quickly spread across the dry grasslands.
  • She used a knife to spread butter on the toast.
  • Rumors began to spread throughout the school about the new teacher.
  • Social media allows information to spread rapidly around the world.
  • The virus can spread through close contact with infected individuals.
  • They planted wildflowers to spread color throughout the garden.
  • The stain on the carpet started to spread as they tried to clean it.

SPREAD as a noun in a sentence

  • A spread refers to a selection of food items laid out for a meal or occasion.
  • The spread at the buffet included a variety of salads, meats, and desserts.
  • He prepared a delicious breakfast spread with fresh pastries and fruit.
  • The newspaper featured a colorful spread on the royal wedding.
  • The hotel offered a continental breakfast spread every morning.
  • A picnic spread typically includes sandwiches, chips, and beverages.
  • The party planner arranged an impressive cheese and charcuterie spread.
  • The restaurant is known for its lavish seafood spread.

Origin of SPREAD

The term spread has a rich linguistic history, evolving from its Old English roots to encompass a wide array of meanings and applications in contemporary contexts.

  • Etymology and Origins: The word spread originates from Old English “sprædan,” meaning “to extend, stretch out.” Its early uses focused on the action of unfolding or stretching something out over a surface.
  • Semantic Development: Over time, spread evolved to encompass various meanings related to extension, diffusion, and distribution. It can describe the act of laying out something over a surface, such as spreading butter on bread, or the process of something expanding or becoming widely known, like the spread of news or ideas.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Influence: In cultural contexts, spread is often associated with the dissemination of information, trends, or influences across different regions or communities. It reflects how concepts, styles, and technologies are shared and adopted globally.
  • Modern Usage: In contemporary language, spread retains its fundamental meanings while also adapting to new contexts, such as in financial markets (spread between interest rates), culinary arts (cheese spread), and social media (viral spread of content).

The term spread illustrates the dynamic nature of language, evolving from its Old English roots to encompass a wide array of uses and contexts in modern communication and everyday life.

Synonyms

  • Disperse
  • Scatter
  • Distribute
  • Expand
  • Diffuse
  • Extend
  • Disseminate
  • Propagate

Antonyms

  • Contain
  • Confine
  • Collect
  • Gather
  • Concentrate
  • Limit
  • Constrain
  • Restrict

Related

  • Dispersion
  • Distribution
  • Proliferation
  • Expansion
  • Diffusion
  • Extension
  • Broadcast
  • Circulation

🌐 🇬🇧 SPREAD in other languages

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