How Do You Spell WIDERANGING?

Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪdɹe͡ɪnd͡ʒˌɪŋ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "wideranging" can be confusing due to its inclusion of two consecutive E's. However, the pronunciation can be broken down using IPA phonetics as /ˈwaɪd.ər.eɪndʒɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced like "wide" with a long "i" sound, followed by "-er" and then "-ain" pronounced similar to "range." The final syllable is "-ing" pronounced as expected. Despite the tricky spelling, the word conveys a broad scope or variety of things or ideas.

WIDERANGING Meaning and Definition

1. Wideranging, also spelled as "wide-ranging," is an adjective that describes something or someone that covers or deals with a broad and diverse range of topics, subjects, or areas. It implies a broad scope or extent of coverage, showing a capability to encompass various aspects or elements.

   In the context of a person, wideranging refers to an individual who possesses knowledge or expertise in multiple fields, allowing them to engage in conversation or work in diverse areas. Such a person is versatile and adaptable to different circumstances, easily transitioning between various topics or tasks.

   When used to describe a conversation, book, or article, wideranging suggests that it addresses numerous different subjects, covering a wide breadth of ideas or themes. This indicates that the discussion or written material explores a diverse range of concepts, providing a comprehensive overview or analysis.

   Wideranging can also be applied to policies, decisions, or strategies, indicating that they encompass a variety of matters or aspects. For instance, a wideranging government policy may cover multiple disciplines or sectors, seeking to address various issues simultaneously.

   Overall, wideranging implies inclusiveness and versatility, demonstrating the ability to explore, engage with, or encompass a broad and diverse range of ideas, subjects, topics, or areas.

Etymology of WIDERANGING

The word "wideranging" is a compound word formed by combining the words "wide" and "ranging".

The word "wide" comes from the Old English word "wid", which means "broad" or "spacious". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "widuz".

The word "range" comes from the Middle English word "raunge", which was derived from the Old French word "range", meaning "row" or "line". This Old French word possibly originated from the Germanic word "rank".

When these two words are combined, "wide" and "range" form the word "wideranging", which means extensive or comprehensive in scope, covering a large variety of topics or encompassing a vast range of possibilities.