breiten
Translation
to spread, to lay out, to extend
Examples
Ein Lächeln breitete sich über sein Gesicht.
A smile spread across his face.
Grammar Patterns
((sich)) ((über+4)) to spread over sth. A smile spread across his face.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ausdehnen (to expand), verteilen (to distribute); Antonyms: zusammenziehen (to contract)
Etymology
Comes from the adjective 'breit' (broad, wide). The verb signifies the action of making something wide.
Memory Tips
To remember 'breiten', think of making something 'breit' (broad), like spreading butter on bread.