outspread
/'aut'spred/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Fully extended or stretched out in width: Describes something that is opened or stretched to its full extent, often in a flat or wide manner.
- Spread out over a large area: Can describe something that is widely distributed or dispersed.
Verb (past tense and past participle: outspread):
- To spread out or extend something to its full width: The action of opening, stretching, or unfolding something so that it covers a larger area.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The eagle soared on outspread wings. (The eagle's wings were fully extended.)
- She lay on the beach with outspread arms, soaking up the sun. (Her arms were stretched wide.)
- The map lay outspread on the table. (The map was fully opened and flat on the table.)
Verb:
- The peacock outspread its magnificent tail feathers. (The peacock spread its tail feathers wide.)
- He outspread the documents for everyone to see. (He laid out the documents so they were fully visible.)
Advanced Usage
- "with outspread arms/hands": A common adverbial phrase describing a welcoming, protective, or expansive gesture.
- He greeted the crowd with outspread arms.
- Used figuratively to describe the wide dissemination of abstract things.
- The news of the victory was outspread across the nation. (This usage is more literary.)
Variants and Related Words
- Spread (verb/adjective): A more common and versatile synonym. "Outspread" often implies a more complete, intentional, or dramatic extension.
- Extended (adjective): Stretched out or lengthened.
- Unfurled (adjective): Unrolled or opened out, often used for sails, flags, or wings.
- Outstretched (adjective): Very similar to "outspread," often used for limbs. ("Outstretched arms" is more common than "outspread arms").
Synonyms
- Adjective: Extended, unfolded, unfurled, outstretched, splayed, wide-open.
- Verb: Extend, spread (out), unfold, unfurl, open out, stretch out.
Antonyms
- Adjective: Folded, closed, furled, contracted.
- Verb: Fold, close, furl, contract.
Related Phrases
- Lay outspread: To be placed in a fully spread-out position.
- The treasure was laid outspread before them.
- Stand with outspread legs: To stand with feet apart for balance.
Adjective
- fully extended in width
- outspread wings
- with arms spread wide