spread
spread Lexical Profile
spread Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To open, arrange, or unroll something so that it covers a larger area.
"They decided to spread the picnic blanket under the shade of the large oak tree."
To become more widely known, distributed, or dispersed over a geographic area or population.
"The news of the technological breakthrough spread rapidly across the scientific community."
To apply a substance in an even layer over a surface.
"She carefully spread the mortar over the bricks before placing the next row."
• noun
A soft, paste-like food substance intended to be applied with a knife to bread, crackers, or similar foods.
"The caterer provided a delicious garlic and herb cheese spread during the reception."
The physical extent, width, or area covered by something.
"The condor has an impressive wing spread that allows it to soar for hours without flapping."
An abundant and varied meal or feast laid out on a table.
"Her grandparents prepared a massive spread for the family's annual Thanksgiving dinner."
• adjective
Fully extended, stretched out, or opened.
"The eagle glided effortlessly on spread wings as it scanned the valley for prey."
Distributed over a wide area rather than concentrated in a single place.
"The investors maintained a highly spread portfolio to minimize their exposure to financial risk."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an irregular verb, the past simple and past participle forms are both 'spread'; the form 'spreaded' is non-standard and considered grammatically incorrect.
• Rhymes for spread
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'sprǣdan', stemming from Proto-Germanic '*spreidijanan' meaning to stretch, extend, or scatter.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.