Reading Theme:
Sweeping Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：far-reaching (sweeping)
sweeping
/ˈswiːpɪŋ/
adj.
Affecting or covering a large area or many people.
far-reaching
➕
/ˌfɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/
adj.
Describes an action or change that affects a very large area or many people, often used for policies or reforms.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'sweep' (Old English swāpan, to sweep), extended to mean covering a wide area.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a broom sweeping across an entire floor—covering everything. 'Sweeping' means all-encompassing.
📖 Example
The city announced sweeping new regulations to ban all single-use plastics.
The city announced far-reaching new regulations to ban all single-use plastics.
🔗 Collocations
sweeping changes – extensive modifications that affect many aspects
sweeping reforms – comprehensive improvements to a system
sweeping statement – a broad generalization often lacking nuance
🔄 Synonyms
comprehensive (adj.) – Including all or nearly all elements or aspects.
far-reaching (adj.) – Having a wide range, influence, or effect.
widespread (adj.) – Found or distributed over a large area or number of people.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
sweep (v.) – To clean or move across a surface, or to affect widely.
sweeper (n.) – A person or machine that sweeps.
sweepingly (adv.) – In a sweeping manner, broadly or comprehensively.
📖 Cultural Story
In 19th-century politics, 'sweeping' described actions that cleared away old systems, like a broom clearing a floor, becoming a metaphor for comprehensive reform.
Meaning 2：panoramic glance (sweeping)
sweeping
/ˈswiːpɪŋ/
adj.
Moving or looking over a wide area in a smooth, continuous motion.
panoramic glance
➕
/ˌpænəˈræmɪk ɡlæns/
adj.
Describes a quick, continuous movement of the eyes or body over a wide area, as if taking in everything at once.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She gave the room a sweeping glance to see if her friend had arrived.
She gave the room a panoramic glance to see if her friend had arrived.
🔗 Collocations
sweeping glance – a quick look that covers a broad area
sweeping view – a wide, unobstructed perspective
sweeping gesture – a broad hand or arm movement indicating a large area
🔄 Synonyms
panoramic (adj.) – Denoting a wide, unbroken view of an area.
cursory (adj.) – Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.
bird's-eye (adj.) – Seen from a high position, giving a wide overall view.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
sweep (v.) – To move swiftly over a surface or area.
sweeper (n.) – Someone or something that sweeps.
sweepingly (adv.) – In a broad, continuous motion.
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