stretch
Meaning: To extend or pull to full length; a continuous area or period
Stretch has multiple meanings as both verb and noun. As a verb, it means to extend something to its full length, to make something cover a larger area, or to extend one's limbs or body. As a noun, it can refer to a continuous area of land or water, or a period of time. Common expressions include 'at a stretch' (continuously) and 'stretch the truth' (exaggerate).
Examples
- Always stretch your muscles before exercising. 运动前一定要拉伸肌肉。Siempre estira los músculos antes de hacer ejercicio.運動前には必ず筋肉をストレッチしてください。운동 전에 반드시 근육을 스트레칭하세요.
- The beach stretches for miles along the coast. 海滩沿着海岸延伸数英里。La playa se extiende por millas a lo largo de la costa.ビーチは海岸沿いに何マイルも続いている。해변이 해안을 따라 수 마일이나 뻗어 있다.
- We drove for a long stretch without stopping. 我们开了很长一段路没有停下来。Condujimos un largo tramo sin parar.私たちは長い間止まらずに運転した。우리는 멈추지 않고 오랜 구간을 운전했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'streccan' meaning 'to extend' or 'to spread out', of West Germanic origin, related to Dutch 'strekken' and German 'strecken'. From a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'rigid' or 'stiff'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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