Widen for Dummies

Widen is a word that we use when something becomes broader or larger in size or scope. It's like when you stretch out your arms as wide as you can, you are making them wider. When we talk about widening, we mean that something is getting bigger or expanding.

Let's think of a road as an example. Have you ever noticed how some roads start off small and narrow but then they gradually become wider? It's like they spread out and give more space for cars to drive on. When a road widens, it means that it is getting broader so that more vehicles can pass through comfortably. It's similar to when you open your arms wide to give someone a big hug. The road is opening up to accommodate more traffic and make the journey smoother for everyone.

Widen can also be used to describe something that is increasing in extent or influence. Think about how when you throw a pebble into a pond, the ripples it creates gradually spread out and widen. The effect of the pebble widens as the ripples travel, reaching further and affecting a larger area. In the same way, when something widens in this context, it means that its impact is growing and reaching more people or places.

So, when we talk about widening, we are talking about something becoming larger, broader, or more extensive. It's like opening up and making more space or increasing the reach of something. It's an action of expansion and making things bigger in one way or another.