Basic Details
Word: Sprawling
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Spreading out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way.
Synonyms: Spreading, extending, sprawling out
Antonyms: Compact, neat, tidy
Idioms and Phrases
- Sprawled out on the floor: Refers to lying or sitting in a relaxed position, often with limbs extended. Example: "After a long day, he sprawled out on the floor and watched his favourite show."
- Sprawling suburbs: Describes areas outside the main city that are spread out and often disorganised. Example: "The city has grown into the sprawling suburbs, making the commute longer for many residents."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The sprawling park was filled with families enjoying picnics on the grass.
Example 2: We found a sprawling neighbourhood with houses set far apart from each other.
Example 3: The artist's painting depicted a sprawling landscape that seemed to go on forever.
Fun Fact
The word "sprawl" comes from the Old English word "sprogan," which means to spread or to grow. It reflects the idea of something spreading out in all directions, often without an organised pattern.
Famous Quote
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." Albert Schweitzer (this quote relates to the idea of enjoying the expansive journey of life, similar to the concept of sprawling).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "sprawling" mean?
a) Growing straight up
b) Spreading out over a large area
c) Being very small
d) Staying in one place
Answer: b) Spreading out over a large area
2. Which of these is a synonym of "sprawling"?
a) Compact
b) Neat
c) Extending
d) Tidy
Answer: c) Extending
3. What is the antonym of "sprawling"?
a) Messy
b) Compact
c) Spreading
d) Wide
Answer: b) Compact
4. Which sentence uses "sprawling" correctly?
a) The cat is sprawling on the roof.
b) The dog is very sprawling and likes to run fast.
c) The spider's web was sprawling upwards.
d) The flower is sprawling beautifully in the garden.
Answer: a) The cat is sprawling on the roof.
5. Which idiom describes an area that is disorganised and spread out?
a) Sprawling suburbs
b) Neatly arranged row
c) A compact space
d) As neat as a pin
Answer: a) Sprawling suburbs
