Something that’s sweeping is wide-ranging or thorough. A political candidate might campaign on promises to bring sweeping change to a country.
Sweeping things can be extensive, like the sweeping powers a president has in a dictatorship, or curving, like the sweeping motion a dancer makes with his arm. Sweeping can also mean “overly broad,” so if you make a sweeping generalization, you take a general idea or rule and apply it too widely, without allowing any exceptions to it.
Sure! Let’s break down the word “sweeping” as you mentioned in the context above and cover its various meanings, uses in both formal and informal contexts, examples, its origins, and tips on how to remember it.
Definition and Pronunciation
词性 (Part of speech): Adjective
音标 (Pronunciation): [ˈswipɪŋ]
Meanings
Wide-ranging or Thorough (彻底的，全面的)
Example (Formal): The new administration has implemented sweeping reforms across all sectors.
Example (Informal): She made some sweeping changes to her diet and lifestyle.
Large-scale (大规模的, 影响大的)
Example (Formal): The corporation announced sweeping layoffs affecting thousands of employees.
Example (Informal): They decided to make sweeping upgrades to their home before selling it.
Curving (弯曲的，弧线的)
Example (Formal): The architect designed a building with sweeping curves.
Example (Informal): He danced with a sweeping motion of his arms.
Example (Formal): The study was criticized for its sweeping generalizations about different cultures.
Example (Informal): You can’t make such sweeping statements about all teenagers!
Origin
The word “sweeping” originates from the Old English term “swāpan” which means to sweep or clean. The metaphorical meaning evolved to describe actions or changes that are broad and thorough, similar to the way a broom covers a wide area when sweeping.
Tips to Remember the Word
Visual Association: Imagine a large broom sweeping across a vast area. This helps you remember its meanings related to extensive or wide-ranging actions.
Contextual Usage: Use it in daily conversations to describe broad changes or actions. For example, “We made sweeping changes to our project plan.”
Flashcards: Create flashcards with the word on one side and its definitions and examples on the other. Quiz yourself regularly.
Examples
In formal writing: The court’s decision had sweeping implications for future legislation.
In informal speech: I made a sweeping decision to clean out all the old stuff in my garage.
By understanding these contexts and practicing them in your day-to-day language, you’ll be able to use “sweeping” naturally and effectively.