spreading

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
noun the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate
noun act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time

By surface analysis, spread + -ing.

"Is the Plague spreading fast, then, Captain Dave?" — When London Burned : a Story of Restoration Times and the Great Fire, G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
The sempiternal effluence streams abroad Spreading, wherever charity extends. — The divine comedy, Dante Alighieri
She looked up into the wide spreading branches overhead. — Madeline Payne, the Detective's Daughter, Lawrence L. Lynch

spread

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