Language Research

spread · verb

/spred/Full view

spread (GRADUALLY AFFECT)

B2 I to gradually affect a larger area

Dictionary examples:

The fire spread very rapidly because of the strong wind.

It started off as cancer of the liver but it spread to other areas of the body.

Learner example:

It seemed that the fire might spread more. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

spread (INFORMATION)

B2 I or T If information spreads, or if someone spreads it, it is communicated to many people.

Dictionary examples:

News of his victory spread quickly.

Have you been spreading gossip about them again?

Learner example:

The news spread all over the village. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

spread (COVER AREA)

B2 I or T to cover an area

Dictionary examples:

The suburbs spread for miles in every direction.

Our offices are spread (out) over a very wide area.

Learner example:

It has about 500 [in]habitants, who live in 128 houses, which are spread over a big area. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

spread (ARRANGE)

C1 T to arrange something over a large area, especially something that was folded

Dictionary examples:

I spread a blanket over his legs.

We spread the map on the floor.

He spread the cards out on the table.

She spread out her towel on the sand and lay down.

Learner example:

She looked at all the diaries that were all spread out around her on the bed. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

spread (SURFACE)

C2 T to move a soft substance across a surface so that it covers it

Dictionary examples:

What I really like is hot, buttered toast spread with strawberry jam.

He spread a thin layer of glue on the paper.

Learner example:

[The] British are astonished when they see Catalans rubbing their bread with ripe tomatoes. Likewise Spaniards feel surprised when Europeans spread butter on it instead. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)

spread (TIME)

C2 T to arrange for something to happen over a period of time and not at once

Dictionary example:

The payments will be spread over two years.

Learner example:

This would both spread the cost and make the whole plan more workable. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

spread out

B2 If people spread out, they move from being close together in a group to being in different places across a larger area.

Dictionary example:

They spread out to search the whole area.

Learner example:

They don't dare to spread out in the space. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

spread · noun

/spred/

spread

B2 U or no plural when something moves to cover a larger area or affect a larger number of people

Dictionary examples:

Jazz records fostered the spread of American culture.

More should be done to stop the spread of this disease.

Learner example:

It is true that these days people have much more choice in entertain[ment], the spread of computers and video games is just one example. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)