Definition

Adjective 1. Cleared or cleaned by brushing with a broom or similar tool: Describes a surface or area from which dirt, dust, or debris has been removed using a sweeping motion. 2. Having a long, continuous, curving line or form: Describes something, often a structure or design, that is characterized by a smooth, graceful, and unbroken curve. 3. Overwhelmed or carried away by a strong force or emotion: Describes a state of being completely overcome, often suddenly, by a feeling, trend, or event. 4. (Past tense and past participle of the verb 'sweep'): Used to form perfect tenses and the passive voice of the verb 'sweep'.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Cleaned):
  • The floor was freshly swept and mopped.
  • Please ensure the porch is swept before the guests arrive.
• Adjective (Curving Form):
  • The car has a swept design that improves its aerodynamics.
  • She admired the swept arch of the bridge against the skyline.
• Adjective (Overwhelmed):
  • The nation was swept by a wave of optimism.
  • He was swept off his feet by her charm.
• Verb Form (Past Tense/Participle):
  • She swept the leaves from the driveway yesterday. (Past tense)
  • The current has swept the debris downstream. (Past participle - perfect tense)
  • The medals were swept by the host nation's team. (Past participle - passive voice)

Advanced Usage

• "swept-back": (Adjective) Slanting backwards from the front. Primarily used for aircraft wings or hairstyles.
  • The jet fighter has swept-back wings for high-speed flight.
• "swept-up": (Adjective) Gathered and secured, typically referring to hair.
  • She wore her hair in a swept-up style for the formal event.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweep: (Verb) To clean or clear a surface with a broom; to move swiftly and smoothly; to extend in a continuous curve. (Noun) The act of sweeping; a long, curving motion or line.
• Sweeper: (Noun) A person or device that sweeps.
• Sweeping: (Adjective) Extensive, wide-ranging, or overwhelming. (Noun) The action of using a broom.

Synonyms

• Cleaned: Brushed, cleared.
• Curving: Arched, curved, flowing.
• Overwhelmed: Carried away, engulfed, overcome.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'sweep')

• Sweep aside: To dismiss or ignore something as unimportant.
  • He swept aside all objections and continued with his plan.
• Sweep away: To remove or destroy something completely, often by force.
  • The flood swept away several houses.
• Sweep up: To clean an area by sweeping; to gather or collect things.
  • Can you sweep up the broken glass?

Related Idioms

• Swept off one's feet: To be caused to fall suddenly and completely in love; to be overwhelmingly impressed or delighted.
  • He was completely swept off his feet on their first date.
• A clean sweep: A complete victory or success, winning everything available.
  • The team made a clean sweep, winning all five matches.
• Sweep something under the rug: To hide a problem or mistake in the hope it will be forgotten.
  • The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug.

Adjective

1. possessing sweep
   • the sleek swept wings of the plane