ensanchar

Word: ensanchar

Meaning:
The Spanish verb "ensanchar" means to widen or to broaden. It refers to making something wider, larger in width, or more spacious. The word is often used when talking about physical spaces, roads, streets, clothes, or even abstract concepts like horizons or perspectives.

Parts:

• The verb is formed by the prefix "en-" which can mean "to make" or "to put into," plus the root word "sancho," which is not common on its own but relates to width or breadth.
• The ending "-ar" is the infinitive verb ending for many Spanish verbs, indicating it is in its base form.

Synonyms:

• ampliar (to enlarge)
• agrandar (to enlarge)
• dilatar (to dilate, to expand)
• extender (to extend)

Antonyms:

• estrechar (to narrow)
• reducir (to reduce)
• achicar (to make small, shrink)

Examples of usage:

• "Quieren ensanchar la carretera para evitar atascos."
  ("They want to widen the road to avoid traffic jams.")
• "Debemos ensanchar nuestro conocimiento sobre esta materia."
  (Abstract use: "We must broaden our knowledge about this subject.")

In summary, "ensanchar" refers primarily to increasing width or making something broader, whether it's a physical or figurative concept.