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Splay - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Splay means to spread out or extend in different directions, often creating a wide or fan-like shape. It can describe limbs, objects, or even the widening of a road.

splay

/spleɪ/ /spleɪ/

Definition:

To spread out or extend outward in different directions, often awkwardly or widely.

Synonyms:

Spread, expand, fan out, stretch

Part of Speech:

Verb, adjective, noun

Antonyms:

Contract, compress

Common Collocations:

Splay legs, splay fingers, splay outward

Derivatives:

Splayed, splaying

Usage Tips:

Use "splay" to describe things spreading apart unevenly or widely, like limbs or fingers.

Common Phrases:

Splay out, splay-legged, splay-footed

Etymology:

Originates from Middle English "displayen," meaning to unfold or spread out.

Examples:

  • 1. The cat splayed its paws on the window sill.
  • 2. Her fingers splayed across the keyboard as she typed quickly.
  • 3. The tree roots splayed outward in all directions.
  • 4. He sat with his legs splayed awkwardly on the floor.

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