Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. fully extended in width
   • outspread wings
   • with arms spread wide