HAIR BREADTH Meaning and
Definition
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Hair breadth is a term used to describe an extremely small or narrow measurement or distance. It refers to a unit of measure so minute that it is comparable to the width of a single strand of hair. The term is derived from the Old English word "brede," meaning breadth or width, and "hair," referring to the slender filament that grows on the human scalp.
In a figurative sense, hair breadth is often used to emphasize the narrowness of a situation, action, or decision, highlighting the slimness of a margin or difference. It suggests a high level of precision or accuracy, indicating that even the slightest deviation can have significant consequences. It conveys the idea that the tiniest movement, error, or change can completely alter the outcome or result being sought.
Hair breadth is a commonly employed expression in various contexts, particularly when someone wants to emphasize the importance of precision or the risk of making a mistake due to minimal margins. It can be used in a variety of fields, such as engineering, medicine, or sports, where even the smallest error can have severe implications. Additionally, this term is also utilized in literature or storytelling to heighten suspense, adding a sense of urgency and tension to critical moments. Overall, hair breadth is a term that encapsulates the notion of extreme narrowness or precision in both a literal and metaphorical sense.
Common Misspellings for HAIR BREADTH
- hairs-breadth
- hairbreadth
- gair breadth
- bair breadth
- nair breadth
- jair breadth
- uair breadth
- yair breadth
- hzir breadth
- hsir breadth
- hwir breadth
- hqir breadth
- haur breadth
- hajr breadth
- hakr breadth
- haor breadth
- ha9r breadth
- ha8r breadth
- haie breadth
- haid breadth
Etymology of HAIR BREADTH
The term "hair breadth" originated from Middle English, specifically from the Old English word "hǣrbrǣd", which is formed by combining "hǣr" (meaning hair) and "brǣd" (meaning breadth). It literally referred to the width or measure of a single hair. Over time, the phrase evolved to figuratively denote an extremely narrow or minute distance, emphasizing how close or precise something is. It is commonly used in idiomatic expressions like "a hair's breadth" or "by a hair's breadth" to describe a narrow escape or a minimal difference between two things.
