Spread Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/sprɛd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A distribution of something, such as information, influence, or a disease, over a wide area or population.

Examples

• The company’s marketing strategy aimed to spread awareness about their new product.
• The virus spread quickly throughout the city, causing widespread illness.

Synonyms

• Distribution
• Dispersal

Antonyms

• Concentrate
• Restrict

Additional Information

A spread can refer to the expansion of an idea, influence, or a physical entity, such as a disease or a phenomenon, over a wide area or population. It can also refer to the distribution of something, like information or resources, among a group of people or entities. In finance, a spread can refer to the difference between two prices or rates, such as the bid-ask spread.

In marketing, a spread can refer to the reach and scope of a campaign or message, and how it is disseminated to the target audience. In sociology, a spread can refer to the diffusion of cultural or social trends, ideas, or practices among a population.

Etymology

The word “spread” comes from the Old English “sprædan”, which means “to stretch out” or “to scatter”. It has evolved over time to encompass a range of meanings related to distribution, expansion, and dispersal.

Usage Notes

In formal writing, it’s essential to use “spread” correctly, as it can have different connotations depending on the context. For example, in a medical context, “spread” can refer to the transmission of a disease, while in a marketing context, it can refer to the dissemination of information.

Cultural References

The concept of spread has been featured in various cultural references, such as in the phrase “spread the word”, which means to share information or news with others. In music, “spread” can refer to the range of frequencies or tones in a melody.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Spread the word
• Spread out

Related Words or Phrases

• Disperse
• Distribute

Collocations

• Spread the news
• Spread across

Frequency of Use

The word “spread” is commonly used in everyday language, especially in contexts related to information, influence, or distribution.

Common Misspellings

• Spred
• Spraid